Northern Ireland was today given permission to resume the export of meat and dairy products after Europe lifted restrictions imposed because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
The North was also given clearance to resume the export of live pigs and sheep.
The decision came at a meeting of the EU Standing Veterinary Committee in Brussels.
Minister of Agriculture Ms Brid Rodgers announced: "This is an excellent development. It means we can now resume exports of both live animals and food products previously banned by the EU."
Exports of lamb, pork, dairy products and live pigs will resume immediately the decision is formally adopted by the EU - expected to be no later than Thursday.
The export of live sheep will begin again on July 1st.
The lifting of restrictions was made possible because there had been no foot-and-mouth cases in Northern Ireland for six weeks.
The last case - only the fourth - was confirmed on April 22nd.
Northern Ireland's case was put to the committee by its chief veterinary officer Mr Bob McCracken.
The export of beef and cattle remains banned.
The Ulster Farmers Union welcomed the EU decision as a significant step towards normality for the local agrifood industry.
UFU president Mr Douglas Rowe said it was "a great relief".
He added: "We have a large agrifood industry in Northern Ireland worth over £2 billion annually, but a small population. It is very important that these trade restrictions have been lifted.
"We must continue to fight the disease but access to the export markets will be a major boost to our industry."
PA