Co-operation on Agriculture and Trade with the USA another key aspect of the day’s events

Today the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., attended a series of events, including bilateral meetings with 2 US State Commissioners for Agriculture, in Nashville, Tennessee, on the first day of the Government of Ireland Trade Mission to the USA and Canada. Nashville is the location for the Annual Meat Conference, at which a number of Irish beef companies are exhibiting.

After meeting with Mr Gary Black, the Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia, the Minister noted that: “I was pleased to further explore the opportunities for an Exchange programme for veterinary officials between my Department and the Georgian State Department of Agriculture. I hope that an announcement can be made soon” (needs to be checked with Paula Barry Walsh).

The day’s main event focussed around the Ireland stand, at the Annual Meat Conference, organised with the facilitation of Bord Bia. This conference will be attended by an estimated 1,300 targeted attendees. The Minister said that:

“This is an excellent opportunity to bring targeted retail buyers, suppliers and consumers together. Having our own Irish beef companies here working together to promote Irish beef in general, as well as their own particular brands, is an excellent chance to showcase the best of Irish beef to a wider audience. Irish beef has an international reputation for its safety and high standards in animal welfare. Our traceability system is at the heart of our food safety system, which is renowned as world class” 

The Minister also met with a range of other key stakeholders including Mr Jai Templeton, Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Tennessee, Barry Carpenter, President and CEO of North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and Kevin Kester, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.   Speaking from Nashville, the Minister said: “Trade between Ireland and the United States continues to grow across the agri-food sector. I was delighted to have this opportunity to strengthen Ireland’s commercial relationships here in the US. I am pleased that to date this year’s trade in beef and pigmeat to the USA, is up on the same period last year, thanks to the efforts of our industry, and with the strong ongoing support of Government.” 

ENDS

Date Released: 27 February 2018