IFA President John Bryan said the move to open the Turkish market for Irish                                                               
beef exports was very positive, and should help to drive on cattle prices.

John Bryan said access to the high-priced Turkish market has already had a
major impact on the beef market across Europe, with an increase in German
cattle prices of €200 per head.

He said Bord Bia and industry sources have indicated that Turkey could
handle imports of 150,000 tonnes annually and become a major destination for
European beef in the future.

Recent figures from the Turkish Ministry for Agriculture show that 80,000
tonnes of carcase beef have been imported in the last 12 months. The surge
in Turkish beef imports follows a decision by the Government last Autumn to
reduce customs tax from 225% to 30%.