Northern Irish beef leaders press for business in China

Red meat industry leaders in Northern Ireland are adding their weight to the campaign to open up the market in China to UK beef and lamb.

Northern Ireland's Livestock and Marketing Commission (LMC) and the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) are visiting China to put their case for a lifting of the ban on beef and lamb at prestigious events such as the World Meat Secretariat's World Meat Congress in Beijing from 14-16 June. It's the first time that LMC has organised a visit to China.

The delegation includes UFU president Ian Marshall and will aim to foster closer relationships with counterparts in China. Members will also visit an international meat exhibition that follows the congress.

LMC chef executive Ian Stevenson says: "Northern Ireland's beef and lamb processing sector does not have direct access to mainland China at the present time, although we do supply Hong Kong and other associated markets in the region.

"It may take up to four years before full approval can be secured for local beef producers to supply China. This will entail a long and complicated administrative process and inspection visits to Northern Ireland by veterinarians representing the Chinese government. But it is an effort well worth making because beef consumption is on the rise throughout South East Asia, as are income levels.

"Access to the Chinese market also holds out the hope of securing higher returns for fifth quarter, which includes edible offal and hides.

"The commission and the meat industry are fully aware of the potential benefits that can be passed on to farmers through our accessing of the Chinese markets.

"Business in China, more than within any other international market, is carried on the strength of personal relationships. This is why it is so important for representatives from Northern Ireland to make the effort and meet with their counterparts within China's food and retail sectors on their home patch."

The World Meat Congress (WMC) is a biennial event host by the International Meat Secretariat. It is a global platform for the delegates of livestock and meat sectors to discuss the hot topics concerning meat industry development, such as meat production, quality, distribution and trade, sustainable economic growth and employment, disease control, animal welfare, food and nutrition.

Delegates from meat organisations, government departments, major meat companies and research groups gather on the Congress to share their opinions and experience, which can make a great contribution to the global meat industry development.

The theme of WMC 2014 is about "Balanced Development of Global Meat Production and Trade".