Indonesia lifts ban on Irish beef imports

Indonesia has decided to lift the ban on imports of Irish beef, a decision that is welcomed by the Irish Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith.

The ban was imposed in 2001 for BSE-related reasons. Irish beef exports to Indonesia in 2001 exceeded 24,000 tonnes at a value of over EUR28.5 million (US$41.3 million).

The market was reopened under conditions recommended by Indonesian experts who visited Ireland last June, including a requirement that the meat must originate from cattle under 48 months of age.

Access is currently limited to the four Irish plants inspected in June, but more plants may be approved in the future.

Smith lauded the decision, saying that Indonesia is a valuable market for Irish beef, and that Ireland would continue its efforts to improve market access for Irish meat.