Irish beef exports set to rise

By Simon Wragg

SUPPLIES of Irish beef hitting European Union markets are expected to rise by 30,000t by 2002, although imports into the UK should remain static.

With nine out of every 10 beef animals destined for export, the targets should be achieved relatively easily, believes Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board.

Principal destinations include lifting the volume of steer and young beef into lucrative Italian markets.

Exports of calves and store animals shipped to European Union destinations are totalling 165,000 head, a rise of 40% on last year.

The main markets include Spain, Italy and Holland. The planned increase will add competition to supplies of UK beef heading for export markets.

However, the Irish beef price has risen considerable in recent months to an equivalent of 1.76/kg deadweight for an R3 carcass, narrowing the price gap.

British livestock producers will be relieved to hear that Bord Bias plans do not include a marked increase in supplies destined for the UK market.

Although a significant outlet, volume is expected to remain stable at 90-100,000t, around 30% down on pre-BSE levels.