SDLP MLA for West
Tyrone Joe Byrne has welcomed news that Japan has lifted the 13-year-long
ban on imported beef from Ireland.
Assemblyman Byrne said: “The Irish government
delegation, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Coveney is to be
congratulated on getting the markets for Irish beef to Japan reopened.
“This sends out a positive message that Irish beef conforms
to the highest standards and thus this will significantly boost the industry.
“It is a sign that international confidence is restored in
relation to the quality of Irish beef.
“Our Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle
O’ Neill needs to ensure that Northern Ireland beef exports can have access to
the Japanese market.
“The First Minister, Peter Robinson, and Deputy First
Minister, Martin Mc Guinness, must lobby strongly on behalf of the Northern
Ireland meat exporters, and get the same result as the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has
secured for the Republic’s beef farmers.
“Japan has a record low food sufficiency rate and this is
unlikely to change in the near future. For this reason Japan is looking for
supplies of safe food.
“As the fourth largest net importer of beef in the world,
after the US, Russia and China, Japan is a very attractive market for beef
farmers.”
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