NORTHERN Ireland pork is to be exported to China in a new deal expected to generate in excess of £10 million a year for the local agri-food industry.
Export licences have been granted for four sites in the north as part of a UK-wide agreement to export pork to China. The announcement follows a long campaign supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland, Invest NI and the local industry amongst others.
The new UK export deal with China will bring a £200 million boost to the UK food industry and support 1,500 jobs, according to DEFRA. In the north two slaughterhouses and two cold stores in Northern have now been given the green light to export pork.
DAERA chief veterinary officer Robert Huey said the news was a "major boost" to the local agri-food industry
“The commencement of pork exports to China, including exports of trotters, will represent a major boost for the local pork industry. It will expand markets and secure jobs. By recommending approval for Northern Ireland, the Chinese authorities have recognised the rigorous standards we have in place to produce our high-quality, safe and wholesome pork."
"This approval to export pork represents a tangible outcome in DAERA’s long-term engagement strategy with China and also represents achievement in securing access to one of the primary new markets outlined in the Going for Growth initiative," he added.
Invest NI executive director of international business Steve Harper said the new pork deal was a "great conclusion to a long campaign".
"The Chinese Government’s approval after a long inspection process is a real endorsement of the high standards we have here."
“This development has the potential to greatly increase export opportunities for our pork processors and producers, with the industry estimating it could be worth £10 million a year to the Northern Ireland economy," he added.
