Irish beef producers hoping for sales boost

The nation is expected to open its doors to Irish beef in the first half of next year, further consolidating the end of a 14-year ban on European beef, Ireland's top agricultural official said on Monday.

Leading a trade mission to the country, Simon Coveney, the Irish minister for agriculture, food and marine, said he expects Irish exports of beef products to China will be given the green light after a stringent audit of the products by Chinese authorities next month.

"I am confident that our beef factories will pass all the tests, and hopeful the all-clear will be given to the Irish beef industry to export to China," he said.