Allister urges Commission 'Business as usual' for calf exports
23 July 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has written to the European Commission urging ‘Business as usual’ for Northern Ireland calf exports, in advance of a crunch SCoFCAH meeting this week. On the agenda at SCoFCAH is an exchange of views and a possible opinion on a draft Commission Decision concerning certain protection measures with regard to bovine tuberculosis in the United Kingdom. This item has been put on the agenda, after a recent export of calves from England to Holland were found to be infected with TB.
The MEP said,
“I am concerned at possible ramifications for the calf export trade if restrictions are put on the UK as a whole by the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health.”
“I have taken the step of writing to Health Commissioner Vassiliou to inform her about the superior annual testing regime in Northern Ireland, compared with regional testing in Great Britain, which can be as occasional as once every 1, 2, 3 or even 4 years. I have stated my belief that a robust regime to prevent against the export of TB positive calves is in place in Northern Ireland, which would make any restrictions on this part of the United Kingdom unnecessary.”
“Finally, I have expressed my concerns about the significant loss of income any obstruction to the calf export trade would have for Northern Ireland farmers. Depressed calf export prices will result in more animals coming onto the home market, perpetuating depressed beef prices further. Indeed, dairy farmers would be back to a situation where bull calves are literally worthless.”
“I will be watching how this matter progresses in coming days.”
ENDS
