The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, confirmed over the weekend that Ireland has secured access to the Japanese market for sheepmeat.
The Minister said that an agreement in principle was met during his Trade Mission to Tokyo last month.
“The Japanese authorities have now formally agreed the export verification programme and export certificate as proposed by my Department, to take effect from next Friday 19 July,” he explained.
The Department for Agriculture said that more details will be confirmed to the industry ‘shortly’.
Access To New Markets
Creed said that today’s announcement reflects “the ongoing and focused effort by my Department to open and enhance market access to key markets”.
“We now have access for both beef and sheepmeat exports to Japan, a strong endorsement of Ireland food safety and quality credentials, and of our excellent working relationships, both at Government and official level.” Minister Creed said.
“I want to thank my Japanese Ministerial counterparts and their officials for the rapid conclusion of the formalities of sheepmeat access, following our detailed discussions last month.”
Last year, total agri-food exports to Japan amounted to €115 million, double the level of exports in 2016, according to CSO trade statistics (including non-edible exports).
In 2018, exports of pigmeat (€41 million), dairy products (€40 million), Fish (€14 million), beverages (€8 million), and Beef (€3.6 million) to Japan all increased.
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