Press release
Minister Creed announces Japanese market opens to Irish sheepmeat
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today confirmed that Ireland has secured access to the Japanese market for sheepmeat.
Minister Creed said:
"I am delighted to announce market access for Irish sheepmeat to Japan, agreed in principle during my 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."
Details will be confirmed to industry shortly via a Trader Notice.
Minister Creed said:
"Today’s announcement reflects the ongoing 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.
"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."
Minister Creed concluded:
"Thanks are also due to Team Ireland in Tokyo, led by Ambassador Paul Kavanagh, and including Bord Bia’s new Tokyo office. I am pleased that the first agricultural attaché from my department to Tokyo will join this team in the autumn. With a strong EU Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in place, not to mention the upcoming Rugby World Cup, there will be significant opportunities to promote Irish food and drink in the Japanese market."
ENDS
Total agri-food exports to Japan in 2018 amounted to €115 million, double the level of exports in 2016, according to CSO trade statistics (which include non-edible exports such as forestry as well as food and drinks). Last year, pigmeat exports to Japan amounted to €41 million; while dairy products, mainly cheddar cheese, amounted to €40 million. Fish (€14 million) and beverages (€8 million) are other important export categories. Beef exports to Japan amounted to €3.6 million last year.
Press release from 12 June: Minister Creed secures agreement in principle on Irish sheepmeat access to Japan.
Market access portal: www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie.