Ireland and US Strengthen Agricultural Ties with Vilsack Meeting and Trade Mission

Strategic Insights -

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, met in Washington DC to discuss various agricultural matters, including the recently agreed veterinary health cert for sheepmeat exports from Ireland to the US. This development is a significant step forward for Ireland's agricultural sector, which is eager to expand its presence in the US market.

The meeting between McConalogue and Vilsack also addressed the challenges faced by Irish beef exports to the US, which enter under the Other Country beef quota. McConalogue expressed his hope that a technical solution can be found to allow quality Irish beef exports to the US to continue without facing high tariff barriers.

The Irish government's Food Vision 2030 ambition, which aims to make Ireland a world leader in sustainable food systems by 2030, was also discussed during the meeting. McConalogue commended Vilsack for co-founding the AIM4Climate initiative, which aims to double global investment in climate research for agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and Ireland have agreed on a veterinary health cert for sheepmeat exports from Ireland to the US, allowing shipments to commence.
  • Irish beef exports to the US are valued at $36 million for 7,000 tonnes and are an important market diversification opportunity.
  • Minister McConalogue raised the issue of tariff barriers for Irish beef exports to the US, expressing hope for a technical solution.
  • The Food Vision 2030 ambition aims to make Ireland a world leader in sustainable food systems by 2030.
  • McConalogue commended Vilsack for co-founding the AIM4Climate initiative, which aims to double global investment in climate research for agriculture.
  • Bord Bia's 3-year co-funded EU campaign, Working with Nature European Beef and Lamb, will promote Irish sheepmeat and beef in the US market.
  • The campaign will focus on raising the profile of Irish sheepmeat as a premium product with high health and nutritional benefits.

Statistics:

  • Irish beef exports to the US are valued at $36 million for 7,000 tonnes.
  • The AIM4Climate initiative aims to double global investment in climate research for agriculture to $8 billion by COP27.
  • Bord Bia's 3-year co-funded EU campaign, Working with Nature European Beef and Lamb, has allocated €1 million for marketing and promotional activities from 2022 to 2025.
  • The campaign will target over 350 key trade and decision makers and over 6,000 buyers at international trade shows.

Sources:

  • The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue
  • US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack
  • Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. (distributed by Contify.com)