Brittany Ferries will cease live animal exports to France from next month, a decision that has raised concern with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
A spokesperson for the French shipping company confirmed the transport of live farm animals to France would end, but added that it would be making no further comment.
IFA President Francie Gorman said he raised the issue with Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon today.
In a statement, he said it was “imperative” that Minister Heydon and his EU counterparts ensure Irish cattle “continue to have unhindered access” to the Single Market.
Mr Gorman said that while there are other carriers of livestock from Ireland, and other means for older animals, any contradiction in services to access the market for Irish cattle is a concern.
He added that farmers in Ireland cannot have access determined by commercial decisions of ferry companies or any other service providers.
Ethical Farming Ireland (EFI), a volunteer group that campaigns for improved conditions for farm animals, described the decision by Brittany Ferries as a “major victory for animals”.
It said the move followed a sustained international campaign led by several NGOs.
Executive Director for EFI Caroline Rowley said: “After over a year of campaigning we are delighted that the CEO (of Brittany Ferries) has finally made the principled choice to stop all involvement in this trade.”
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher described the decision as a “disaster for the calf export industry”.
He said the move “significantly undermines not just the calf export industry but Irish agriculture in general”.
Mr Kelleher added that Minister Heydon “must be prepared to step in if the market fails to respond”.
“Too many livelihoods are at stake,” he added.
