The newly appointed chair designate of Bord Bia has said that there is a opportunity for Ireland to enhance its veal production “over time”.
Larry Murrin made the comments during a recent appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Meath native, who was appointed to his new role by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue in February, has served on the Consumer Foods Board of Bord Bia since its inception.
Veal
Cathaoirleach of the committee Jackie Cahill raised the issue of the live export of young calves during the meeting.
“A certain number of calves were exported this year but each year it seems to get more difficult and problematic. The media focuses on the exportation of calves and so on.
“Friesian bull calves are sought after by the veal units but getting them to the continent is proving ever more problematic,” he said.
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice also raised the issue of calves and live exports.
“There is rocky water ahead. We need to make sure they are smoothed for all the farmers,” he said.
Deputy Cahill asked the Bord Bia chair designate if he believed it was feasible for Ireland to establish its own veal production industry.
“I do not have a particular brief in respect of veal production, but I will say that I think we do have an opportunity over time to further enhance our activity in that space.
“Undoubtedly, it will lead to some changes in the welfare aspects of calf exports,” Murrin replied.
He said that welfare on Irish calf exports “is considered to be of a reasonably high standard currently”.
“I would like to think this can be encouraged and continue to grow, notwithstanding that we must recognise the issues that scaling and opportunity like that actually represent.
“I am advised that some trials on veal processing were conducted last year. However, this is still considered to be early days.
“I do think it is something that we in Bord Bia will revert to the committee on in due course,” he added.