January 9, 2013

Libya to receive Ireland cattle exports soon

Live cattle exporters have recently been in Ireland to plan the reopening of the Libyan market.

Libya was a valuable market for Irish live cattle exports in the past, taking 81,420 cattle in 1995. However, the business came to an abrupt stop in 1996 when Libya banned beef imports because of the BSE outbreak.

IFA president, John Bryan, said he had met with a major live exporter to North Africa in recent days, and it appeared that a ship would be ready in the coming weeks.

He said a strong live export trade was "absolutely essential" for the Irish beef and livestock sector.

Mr Bryan also called for an immediate resumption of the live trade for livestock to Egypt and Lebanon.

However, he encouraged farmers to only accept secure payment.