In recent days, it was announced that Canada has re-opened its markets to Irish beef after 19 years, now Irish beef and sheepmeat has got the green light to be exported to Oman.

Irish sheepmeat will also now have full access to Oman, which the Department of Agriculture said builds on the existing access which it has for Canada.

Ireland reached agreement with authorities in the Sultanate of Oman on veterinary health certification which will allow for the export of beef and sheepmeat from Ireland to Oman for the first time.

The Department said that there is no restriction as to the age of the animals from which the meat to be exported may be derived.

Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, said that this agreement is the culmination of a process which was initiated at the time of the Trade Mission he led to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2013.

“The Gulf countries are one of the fastest growing segments of our export markets and Irish beef and lamb is much sought after there.

“I am particularly pleased that sheepmeat access is secured here as pursuing markets for this sector is a particular target for us,” he said.

Commenting on the opening of the Candian market, the Minster said that it is a market with strong Irish links, which appreciates premium quality foods and should be a natural fit for Irish beef.

It builds on the progress in accessing the US market earlier this year. Our role in showcasing Irish production systems as part of the EU audit undoubtedly played a key role in securing this access.

“My Department will now commence work with interested plants here in ensuring that the trade in product can commence as soon as possible,” he said.

The Minister said that these two new markets come on top of other key announcements in 2015 for market access for Irish meat.

“However we are not resting here and the pursuit of new markets continues and my Department continues to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bord Bia, the European Commission and industry in terms of identifying and securing new Third Country markets,” he said.