It has been confirmed that Liffey Meats is the seventh Irish meat processing factory to receive export authorization to China.

This decision followed initial approval last year for six other Irish beef processing plants.

Another package of 12 applications from Irish beef processors was also sent for approval to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural China. A decision on these enterprises is still pending.

A senior director at Meath Industry Ireland (MII) said that the threat of African swine fever (ASF) in China is increasing the potential for importing Irish beef and “We must capitalize on this situation by first obtaining permission for more of our products.”

Agriculture and Food Minister Michael Creed announced plans for a trade mission to China in May: “Next month, I will return to China for the third time as Minister of Agriculture with another significant delegation on agricultural trade. I discussed the details of the visit with the ambassador. He also requested updated information on the permits issued for a number of Irish beef products for export to China, as well as on the department’s application for access to sheep’s meat. ”