New Zealand cattle semen exports to the European Union have resumed after being blocked for two years.
The trade, which had been worth $6 million dollars a year, was stopped after the EU raised concerns about facilities and verification practices.
The ban hit two livestock breeding and genetics companies - LIC and Ambreed - which had been increasing their exports to Ireland and the UK in particular to meet growing demand for New Zealand cattle genetics.
The companies had to set up new semen collection facilities to meet European Union demands, and both now have clearance to resume the trade.
