MAFF dairy attack

14 February 1997

MAFF dairy attack

DAIRY farmers have been criticised by MAFF for failing to apply for cattle passports within 28 days of having animals tagged.

Brinley Davies, MAFF South Mercia regional director, told Glos NFU members that the passport system, which came into force last July, was a key element of the Florence Agreement and was open to inspection by EU officials.

"Unless we can prove that the new passport system is working properly, we shall not be able to get the British beef industry back on its feet," he warned.

Kim Brake, National Cattle Association beef spokesman, said authorities were within their rights to refuse passport applications if they were delivered outside the time frame. &#42