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Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney today warmly welcomed Vice President Xi Jinping to Ireland and took the opportunity to bring him to a dairy farm to emphasise food production facilities in Ireland.

The agri food sector offers exciting potential for new export trade opportunities between Ireland and China.

The Vice President visited the farm of James Lynch in Sixmilebridge County Clare, and was greeted by Mr. Lynch, his wife and their three children. He was then introduced to Minister Coveney and the Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, Mr Tom Moran.

The Vice President, who has a keen interest in the agriculture sector, walked the farm and viewed the milking parlour, the newly born calves and the cattle grazing in the fields. He was welcomed into the home of Mr Lynch and was offered an Irish Coffee.

Minister Coveney said

"...unlike milk production in most parts of the world Irish farmers produce milk from a grass based system which offers a unique selling point in terms of sustainability and quality control. Having the opportunity to bring the Chinese Vice President to a family farm in Ireland will leave a lasting and positive impression of the natural source of Irish agfood products."

In a wide ranging exchange, Minster Coveney and Vice President Xi Jinping discussed the key priority which the Chinese Government attaches to food security and to increasing agricultural productivity.

Read the full press release here.