Sir, The re-opening of the international live cattle export trade to Egypt will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the Irish cattle trade, the agricultural economy and rural areas in general. Live cattle markets to Egypt and Libya have the potential to take up to 250,000 head of Irish cattle annually, worth £165 million.
The real benefit of an active live cattle trade comes in the form of additional price competition in the marts and at the factory for livestock. With a significant surplus of beef across EU markets, the North Africa live trade provides an essential additional market outlet, which in turn reduces the necessity to place beef in intervention storage or to slaughter calves.
Having visited Egypt in May this year, I can confirm the real demand that exists for live cattle in this market. Irish cattle are considered far superior to Australian livestock based on a number of critical factors such as breed weight gain and their excellent health and physical condition upon arrival. Strict welfare regulations based on the highest veterinary standards fully govern all aspects of the transportation of live animals from Ireland to these markets, ensuring that they arrive only in a top class condition.
Indeed, as a farmer I am proud of the significant role the IFA and livestock exporters played in establishing what are regarded as the "highest welfare standards in the world" for the transportation of live cattle.
Despite the critics of the live trade, who cannot be satisfied no matter what welfare regulations are applied, I am particularly encouraged by the public support for the live trade from the four main political parties (FF, FG, Labour, PD) during the General Election campaign. The live cattle trade must be allowed to play its important role in sustaining the prosperity of Ireland's largest indigenous industry. Yours, etc.,
Chairman,
National Livestock Committee,
Irish Farmers' Association,
Dublin 12.