Market access for Irish calves 'to The Netherlands 'may continue' into 2026 despite previous concerns the market would essentially be closed to Irish calves after this year (2025).

Last June, a plan entitled ‘Veal Forward’ was presented to the Dutch government by its House of Representatives, which called on the government to implement the plan.

It was originally expected that the strict new rules would be implemented from January 2026, which could have seen the trade of Irish calves to The Netherlands come to a halt however it is understood this may now be delayed.

A statement from Bord Bia to Agriland said: "Several developments in the Dutch market in recent weeks including the delayed implementation of an IBR programme and ongoing discussions about the timeline for the implementation of the Veal Forward Plan may see our access to the market continue in the short term."

Under the Veal Forward plan, calf exports from Ireland, and from other member states, would only be possible under the following criteria:

That the country of origin can prove that calf energy levels are maintained at a certain level throughout the journey, regardless of distance/hours travelling;
Calves must be fed twice within every 24-hour period en route, with a maximum gap between feeds of 14 hours (Irish calves would therefore have to be fed on the ferry);
Calves will be transported in enclosed trucks with mechanical ventilation from 2030;
If infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) requirements can be met.

The Irish food board added that Ireland's ability to trade live animals with the Dutch market on a longer term basis "remains challenging".

Bord Bia said: "Given these challenges and the changing type of animal that we have available for export, Bord Bia continues to explore opportunities for trade in alternative export markets."

The Netherlands is an important market for Irish calves, with 84,000 calves traded during the first half of 2025, an 8% uplift on 2023 levels.

The country has been the largest export market destination for Irish calves this year, with Spain being the second-largest. Spanish customers purchased 77,500 Irish calves to date this year - up 16% on 2024 levels.