“It is also an issue which I raised directly in bilateral meetings with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr. Javad Kachoueian,” Creed said recently as quoted by AgriLand news portal.
“I am delighted to see yet another third country market open for Irish meat products, particularly for the sheep sector which I am very keen to see develop further and deliver more for all levels in that sector,” he added.
The Irish minister further said that the agreement came after an agricultural trade mission visited Iran in April and held talks with the country’s economic and agricultural officials.
“We have already had a very successful trade mission to four Asian Countries in recent weeks and I expect to be making further announcements on upcoming trade missions in the near future.”
Under the agreement, Ireland now enjoys access for sheepmeat to Iran and this could be beneficial to Irish farmers as Iran is the second largest consumer market in the Middle East and North Africa after Egypt.
Irish beef gained market access to Iran four years ago and overall Irish food exports to Iran last year totalled €3.6m.