Allister welcomes Commission U-turn on Export Refunds
27 November 2007
Jim Allister MEP has welcomed a European Commission proposal to introduce export refunds for pigmeat carcases, cuts and bellies in response to the difficult market situation.
Mr Allister said,
“Speaking at a European Parliament debate in October, I predicted that private storage would not sufficiently address the difficulties the European pig meat sector is facing. That is why, during that debate I called on Commissioner Fischer Boel to introduce export refunds on pig meat and hams, as a means of putting a floor in the market.”
“I find it bemusing that the Commission has been so opposed to the introduction of export refunds for months, before coming to its senses. Ironically, only last week Fischer Boel, in her CAP Health Check paper said export refunds are entering their ‘twilight years’. This u-turn on export refunds demonstrates the necessity of market support instruments for the CAP going forward.”
“Farmers could have been spared a lot of anxiety had export refunds been introduced sooner. Frankly, I am amazed it took Michelle Gildernew until 20th November to even consider raising the matter of export refunds.”
