As Irish farmers across the country begin calving season in earnest over the next few months, AgriLand wants to know how you think calf exports will fare further down the line in 2021.
In the first AgriLand poll of 2021, we want to hear the thoughts of farmers in Ireland on calf exports this year.
With additional ferries now taking place on a regular schedule between Rosslare and the French port of Cherbourg, and extra lairage capacity now available for Irish calves in the French town, there is cause for optimism among farmers and exporters.
On the flip side, the threats of disruption caused by Covid-19 and Brexit have not gone away, while separate but related factors such as the EU Mercosur Trade Agreement may also have a hand in things.
Ultimately, a lot of factors will boil down to demand among mainland European buyers. How do you think exports will fare this year?
Let us know by taking the survey at the bottom of the article.
Late last year, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue met with stakeholders involved in the export of calves.
The minister told AgriLand that he recognised that the export of live animals is an “important part of Ireland’s livestock industry; stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers”.
He added that both he and his department are “fully committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure these standards are upheld”.