Skyr Export Boom In Europe Possible

Ten times more skyr than before could hit European shelves if a new agricultural trade agreement between Iceland and Europe goes into effect.

According to the terms of the agreement, Kjarninn reports, the prices on many imported foodstuffs in Iceland could decrease by double-digit percentages. More than just a boon to Icelanders, the agreement also spells good news for those in mainland Europe – especially those who like skyr.

Presently, Iceland can only export up to 350 tonnes of skyr to Europe without having to pay tolls on it. By the terms of the new agreement, this quota would increase by more than ten times, to 4,000 tonnes.

The agreement, reached last Thursday in Reykjavík between representatives of the Icelandic government and the European Union, covers many different categories of agricultural trade.

As might be expected, Icelandic farmers welcome the expansion of their European markets, but are critical of increased competition with imported goods in Iceland. At the same time, merchants and importers are decidedly pleased with the agreement. Importers will be able to bring in four times more chicken (including up to 200 tonnes of free-range chicken, the import of which is presently banned), seven times more beef and 3.5 times more pork.

The agreement is expected to go into effect in late 2016 to early 2017.