Authorities have lifted a ban that prevented Ireland sending the beef used for burgers and processed foods to America.

THE AMOUNT OF Irish beef sold into the US markets could dramatically rise after a deal was struck to allow manufactured beef from Ireland be exported to America.

Agriculture authorities across the Atlantic lifted the ban after they judged Ireland’s raw meat control systems to be up to the same standard as is required in the US.

The decision comes 18 months after US agricultural authorities lifted a similar ban prohibiting raw intact beef being imported into the US.

It has been 15 years since any EU member state has had permission to export manufactured beef, which is the meat traditionally found in burgers and processed food, to the US.

Beef produced in the EU was strictly banned in the US ever since the BSE scare 15 years ago, with the ban only lifted in March of 2014.

Ireland was the first EU-member state to gain access to the US beef market and still remains the only country in the EU that is allowed to send beef across the Atlantic.

Speaking about the decision, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said the agreement came after a year of intensive negotiations between his department and its US counterpart.

“I am delighted with this confirmation that the US authorities have recognised the equivalent standards overseen by my department and granted access to Irish manufacturing beef, building on our existing access from last year,” he said.

“This announcement by the US is a huge endorsement of Irish beef and our production and regulatory systems.”

Source: Photo Department of Agricultrure

Expectations

Last year, Ireland exported approximately €2.41 billion worth of beef. Exports to the US alone were estimated at €14 million, which fell significantly short of the government’s target of €100 million after the ban was lifted.

Creed said the export agreement paved the way for further beef trade and commerce between Ireland and the US, with six factories already approved to ship beef to the States.

“As we know, this US market is a potentially huge prize given the size of the market and the demand we know exists there for premium grass-fed beef,” he said.

“We already have first-mover advantage as a result of being the first EU member state to gain entry. These exports will be supported by a marketing initiative promoting Irish manufacturing beef.”