Proactive Approach to Safeguard Agri-Food Exports essential –Allister
13 September 2007
Jim Allister MEP has said every effort must be made to minimise disruption to Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food exports, in the wake of confirmation of a fresh case of Foot and Mouth in England.
The MEP said,
‘The Agricultural Industry will be extremely anxious and disappointed that Foot and Mouth has re-emerged at a time when the ‘all-clear’ was about to be given, from the recent confined outbreak.
I hope lessons will have been learned, and that Officials will adopt a more proactive approach to ensuring our major export markets remain open to Northern Ireland produce.’
‘Good channels of communication between officials and local food exporters and industry leaders, and with Officials representing our major export markets, is essential to provide clarity that Northern Ireland is foot-and-mouth-free and open for business.
One would hope that a proactive stance will avoid a crisis situation developing for any sectors of our local agri-food industry, and avoid the need for any frantic diplomatic and legal skirmishing this time round.’
ENDS
