January 12, 2006

Irish cattle farmers to see good year in 2006

Strong retail demand in the UK and across Europe will increase Irish beef exports in 2006, according to Ireland's National Livestock Committee Chairman John Bryan  

The outlook is favourable for the first half of the year with exports projected to grow in Italy, Holland, Scandinavia, France and Spain, markets which are capable of giving high returns.

The current EU beef deficit of 350,000 tonnes will also help Irish beef exports, Irish newspaper Galway Independent reported.

Furthermore, cheap South American imports will not be affecting Irish beef prices this year due to a ban on Brazilian beef imports after an outbreak of FMD there.