The importance of live animal exports to Irish agriculture has been highlighted by the IFA Connacht President.
Brendan Golden says a strong live export trade is vital for maintaining price competition and providing farmers with an alternative market for livestock, which he says are in high demand across the European Union due to their quality.
His comments come after Brittany Ferries announced it will stop facilitating the transport of live animals to France from September.
IFA President Francie Gorman says Irish farmers cannot have access to the EU Single Market determined by the commercial decisions of ferry companies or other service providers.
He said Ireland operates to the highest standards when it comes to animal transport, with inspections and ongoing monitoring in place to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained.
He’s been outlining his concerns to Midwest Radio’s Stephen Grealis..
