The trade of Irish beef to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is expected to commence shortly, according to Bord Bia.
The Irish food board has welcomed the news that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister of State for New Market Development, Martin Heydon, have confirmed the resumption of access for Irish beef exports to the Republic of Korea.
According to Bord Bia: “Both Irish suppliers and prospective South Korean customers have been waiting patiently for the suspension to be lifted, and we expect that trade will commence shortly.”
A statement from Bord Bia to Agriland said:
“Following from the successful launch of Irish beef in the [South Korean] market during the September trade mission, Bord Bia is ready to implement an extensive promotional campaign during 2025 to grow the awareness and reputation of Irish beef in South Korea.”
Market access for Irish beef to South Korea and China had been temporarily suspended following the confirmation in September of an isolated case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
This was detected by the department’s surveillance programme, and the animal did not enter the feed or food chain and posed no risk to human health.
South Korea
According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), atypical BSE occurs sporadically in all cattle populations at a very low rate and is not considered a public health risk.
The temporary suspension of access to the Korean market was entirely precautionary and in line with a protocol agreed with the Korean authorities.
In relation to the ongoing suspension of Irish beef market access to the People’s Republic of China, the DAFM said it “is continuing to engage with the General Administration of Customs in China through our Embassy in Beijing to secure an early resumption of trade”.