7th Generation Wicklow Farm showcases quality Irish food during Chinese visit

Fine Gael TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine, Andrew Doyle TD, today (Tuesday), commended Tom and Geraldine Shortt’s Newtownmountkennedy farm for hosting the official visit of Chinese politician Mr Liu Yunshan, who got to see at first hand quality Irish food produced in Wicklow.

“Given the importance of the export potential of China and other markets, and as Tom Shortt has implemented grass fed production in beef and lamb, this was the ideal opportunity to showcase the best of what Wicklow (The Garden County) has to offer. It was extremely satisfying to see quality food production in an ideal setting as Tom and Geraldine demonstrated how beef and lamb are produced to the highest quality and are fully traceable from farm to plate.

“The farm in Newtownmountkennedy is participating in the Origin Green sustainability programme and is a member of the Bord Bia Beef and QA schemes.

“This is an important week in terms of new opportunities for beef and sheep exports. This is a highly significant visit, from a very senior member of the Chinese Government, alongside the visit of the US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack who also met with our Ministers, Taoiseach and officials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.  Key discussions are taking place to secure market access for Irish meat to these important destinations.

“Rising consumption of beef and lamb will signify an enormous potential for the industry. Ireland has a  very robust and well regarded food production system in place, one that places a huge emphasis on quality assurance and traceability; this 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 there has been an agreement with the Chinese authorities to initiate discussions on access for sheep meat. 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 for opening up his farm. It was the perfect backdrop to underscore the importance of sustainability. Our family farm structure ensures that food is produced in a sustainable manner utilising our natural advantages; clean and green.”