New export markets for beef 'crucial' as industry faces difficulties

The beef and sheep industry continues to experience difficulties with the weak Euro and the Russian ban on imports having a significant impact on the UK trade.

The Ulster Farmers' Union said that opening new export markets outside of Europe is crucial to help absorb any oversupply and help add financial value to red meat produce.

The UFU livestock office bearers met with David Simpson MP and William Irwin MLA this week to discuss red meat exports. The UFU has also met recently with NIMEA, LMC and DARD to discuss this matter.

Commenting after the meetings UFU Deputy President Ivor Ferguson said, "Access to new markets is a priority for the Union, but we're not convinced that the DARD and DEFRA Minister are allocating enough resource to speed up progress with our export targets.

"There are considerable opportunities across the globe which we are not able to take advantage of yet and we have asked our local MPs and MLAs to prioritise this matter in both Westminster and the NI Assembly."