Export Complexities to Third Country Markets discussed at LMC

The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) for Northern Ireland hosted a livestock genetics meeting last Friday (30 January) to discuss with local cattle and sheep breeders the complexities and opportunities for exports of breeding stock and genetic material to third country markets.

Two guest speakers from the British Livestock Genetics (BLG) Consortium, namely: Andrew Taylor (Chairman) and Rob Wills (Executive Manager) were invited to share their experiences in the establishment of the UKECP - UK Export Certification Partnership and the pivotal role it plays, as a consortium, in negotiating export certification for priority markets, and to assist in the development and maintenance of business generated by the export of UK livestock, genetics, meat and meat products.

The two guest speakers shared their knowledge of the wide range of opportunities for exports that are available around the world and how to go about capitalising on these in terms of promotion and presentation, understanding of target markets, acquiring the necessary export certification, dealing with potential customers etc, and the availability of grants under the Tradeshow Access Programme to help individuals or groups to attend international trade shows and explore potential business opportunities.

Ian Stevenson LMC Industry Development Manager comments, "Most breeders at the meeting felt they had learned a lot more about the opportunities, obstacles, processes and practicalities involved in exporting genetic material overseas. There were a number of markets identified as potential business opportunities by the local breeders such as China, Russia and North America. The complications of trading with Russia and China were discussed with export certificates for these countries known to be a long and arduous process to obtain."

Further discussions will take place later this year and in particular an issue raised by one Northern Ireland breeder, regarding the export of sexed semen to North America, is being looked into further".

Ends

For media information contact Maria McLaughlin LMC Communications Manager Tel: 028 9263 3016 or email mmclaughlin@lmcni.com