The United States government announced today that it accepts Northern Ireland is free from foot-and-mouth disease and will be lifting import restrictions.
The decision was welcomed by Agriculture Minister Mr Bríd Rodgers.
"I am delighted with the news that the US Department of Agriculture is prepared to relax its controls on produce from here," she said.
She said the decision would send a "very clear message" to the international monitoring group, the Office International des Epizootics, who have yet to restore the North’s disease-free status.
"If they grant that status, it will be of considerable benefit to a number of Northern Ireland companies who are seeking to resume trade with Third World countries."
While no companies are currently approved to export, the minister has said that several companies are working with her department to secure approval to export to the US.