Ireland: Plan for strict restrictions on calf exports to the Netherlands from 2026

Calf exports from Ireland to the Netherlands could face strict new rules from January 2026 which could see the trade come to a halt. A plan entitled ‘Veal Forward’ was presented to the Dutch government in recent weeks by its House of Representatives, which is calling on the government to implement the plan. It includes criteria which must be met in order for Ireland and other member states be allowed to export calves to the Netherlands. Under the plan, calf exports from Ireland, and from other member states, will only be possible in 2026 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 ...