Cowen welcomes new Thai market access for Irish beef

Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West, Barry Cowen, has welcomed an announcement that the Thai market is now open to Irish beef.

The decision, confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Irish beef exports, he said, adding that it is great to see the sector going from strength to strength.

MEP Cowen noted that this latest development builds on Ireland’s strong progress in opening new markets across Asia. He highlighted that Irish beef exports saw a 6% year-on-year increase in 2024, with Asian demand playing a key role in this growth.

The Fianna Fáil MEP also underlined the importance of ongoing engagement to secure and strengthen trade opportunities for Irish agriculture. He emphasised that collaboration between Government, industry and international partners is key to sustaining growth in Irish exports.

MEP Cowen reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging his roles on both the European Parliament’s Agriculture and International Trade Committees to further support Irish farmers and exporters. In particular, he noted that his meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland over the weekend as part of these efforts to develop opportunities for Irish agri-food exports.

“The expansion of Irish beef exports to new markets like Thailand is a vital step in ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for our farmers and food producers. With Asia already a growing destination for Irish produce, this latest agreement is another important milestone in that success story.

“As political representatives in Brussels and at home, we all have a role to play in bolstering, promoting and contributing to the expansion of Irish agri-food exports. Through my work on the European Parliament’s Agriculture and International Trade Committees, I will continue to push for new opportunities that deliver for Irish farmers and rural communities," MEP Cowen said.