The number of independent butcher shops in Ireland fell by 65% over an almost 30-year period, according to the coordinators of a butchery apprenticeship programme.

There were around 2,300 independent butcher shops in Ireland in 1990, but by 2019 that figure had fallen to about 800.

According to the 2016 Census, there were approximately 6,300 butchers working in Ireland across the entire meat industry.

 

 

Aisling O’Brien  / Agriland

BUENOS AIRES, Jan 3 (Reuters) – Argentina on Monday extended its suspension of exports of some beef cuts with little international demand until the end of 2023, a measure previously agreed with the sector.

“The measures contribute to generating a balance between the Argentine market and the export of meat products,” the government said of the decision.

“Export administration is established for some beef cuts that are preferred by the Argentine market and for mass consumption,” it added

Reporting by Hernán Nessi; writing by Peter Frontini / Reuters

The Irish Farmers Association has said that all beef imports into the European Union should be “suspended immediately” in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The IFA President, Tim Cullinan, said that the Mercosur Trade Agreement – which would allow for the import of large volumes of beef into the EU – should also be suspended in the event of a no-deal.

He said that the export of beef to the United Kingdom could be severely impacted by tariffs if there is a no-deal.

Mr Cullinan told the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee that he would be very concerned that the UK could do a deal in beef imports with a third country in the event of a no-deal.

 

 

by Fran McNulty

China has suspended the importation of more Australian beef, this time from Meramist Pty Ltd, the sixth supplier to face such a move in a country that is one of China’s main meat suppliers.

China made the decision yesterday but did not provide a reason.

It has already banned imports from five other Australian beef suppliers this year, citing reasons that have included issues with labelling and health certificates.

Australia’s ties with China – its top trade partner – were already strained. The relationship has significantly deteriorated since Canberra called for an enquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

China stopped receiving applications and registration for beef exports from the Meramist plant from 7 December, China’s General Administration of Customs said in a notice on its website, without giving a reason.

Mike Eathorne, the general manager of Meramist, told the ABC last night he had only just received the news.

“I was advised five minutes ago and I have been given absolutely no reasons,” he said, adding he could not comment further.

 

Reuters /ABC