EU Dairy Production
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The European Union
The European Union is a unique economic & political union between 27 European countries that covers most of the continent.
The single market, also known as the internal market, was created in 1992. This refers to the EU as a single territory without any internal borders or obstacles to the free movement of goods, services & people. It has fuelled economic growth and made everyday life of European businesses and consumers easier.
The single European currency, the EURO, was launched in 1999. More than 340 million EU citizens in 19 countries now use it as their currency. Ireland is located in the western part of Europe bound by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish sea.
The EU is the largest dairy milk producing region in the world and is renowned for its portfolio of truly diverse, high-quality, nutritionally dense, sustainable produce and stringent safety standards adhered to and deployed by member nations. In 2021, the combined markets of the EU-27 produced approximately 145 million metric tonnes of dairy products. Ireland processed 8.8 billion litres of milk in 2021 and exported dairy produce to approximately 150 markets all over the world
In 2021, Ireland was ranked number one by the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) which in its adjudication, assesses 113 countries over 58 parameters taking into consideration issues of food affordability, availability, and quality as well as safety standards, natural resources, and resilience.
High EU Standards
EU food safety standards are extremely high. No growth hormones are allowed in the EU.
The use of antibiotics and other medicines is strictly controlled and can only be used when absolutely necessary. No residual medicine can enter the food supply chain.
The EU food law has strict laws in relation to quality assurance, traceability, animal welfare and sustainability.
