The Newtownmountkennedy farm belonging to Mr. Tom and Geraldine Shortt yesterday (Monday) was part of the official visit of Chinese politician Mr. Liu Yunshan who got to see at first hand the quality of food produced in Wicklow.
Speaking on the visit Andrew Doyle TD for Wicklow commented “Given the importance of the export potential to new markets, including China and as Tom Shortt has implemented grass fed production in Beef and Lamb, it was the ideal opportunity to showcase the best of what Wicklow(The Garden County) has to offer in terms of quality food production. It was extremely satisfying this ideal setting of how beef and lamb are produced to the highest quality and fully traceable from farm to plate. “The farm in Newtownmountkennedy is an excellent example, not only participating in the Origin Green sustainability programme but also a member of the Bord Bia Beef and QA scheme
This important week in terms of new opportunities for beef and sheep meat exports with this highly significant visit from a very senior member of the Chinese Government together with the visit of the US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack who are both meeting with our Ministers, Taoiseach and officials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to discuss securing market access for Irish beef and sheep meat to these important destinations. Rising consumption of beef and lamb will signify an enormous potential for the industry. Ireland has very robust and well regarded food production system in place, one that places a huge emphasis on quality assurance and traceability and has been central to building up market access across the globe.
Last year Ireland exported nearly €300m of food and agricultural products to China, primarily dairy products, and this trend is set to continue. We are now entering advanced negotiations to secure access for beef, and following the agreement of the Chinese authorities to initiate discussions on access for sheepmeat. Interestingly Mr Liu expressed a particular interest in sheep production during his visit to the Shortt’s farm.
“These are very important meetings between both countries and I am very grateful to Tom and his family as a specialist in beef production it was the perfect backdrop to underscore the importance of sustainability. Our family farm structure insures that food is produced in a sustainable manner utilising our natural advantages; clean and green”, concluded Deputy Doyle.