Trade and live exports were top of the agenda as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed met with his Turkish counterpart, Dr. Bekir Pakdemirli, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, in Istanbul today (Thursday, March 7).

Discussions particularly focused on prospects for renewed live cattle exports from Ireland to Turkey.

The minister had good news on that front, with Turkey considering the option of reopening its market in the latter half of 2019.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Creed commented: “This was a useful opportunity to discuss a range of mutually important matters with Minister Pakdemirli.

“Turkey has become an important market for Irish livestock in recent years and I was keen to impress upon the minister the importance of the Turkish market for Ireland and our desire to re-establish trade as soon as possible.”

Continuing, Minister Creed said: “Turkey offers significant potential as a destination for Irish cattle exports, although import licenses are currently suspended by the Turkish Ministry due to over-supply in the Turkish market.