At least two Irish beef factory chains have begun processing cattle eligible for export to China, adhering to strict protocols for animal and public health safety. Initially, confidence in exporting to China was low, but it has grown as deals are being made and orders placed. The base price for beef may initially benefit from demand in China, potentially leading to a 'China-eligible bonus' for farmers. However, bovine tuberculosis can make a herd ineligible for the Chinese market for up to a year.