Pigmeat exports all-clear soon
Pigmeat exports all-clear soon
MORE British counties should be given the all-clear to start exporting pigmeat again by the end of the year, as long as they have no fresh outbreaks of foot-and-mouth.
Brussels has given the go-ahead for 33 counties which have had no cases this year to resume exports from next Monday (Oct 22).
Speaking at the ANUGA food fair in Cologne, Germany, this week, Meat and Livestock Commission executives said the next step would be to get restrictions lifted for counties which have been F&M-free for over 90 days.
That could happen quite quickly, predicted MLC international manager Peter Hardwick, though he was less optimistic about the prospects for sheep.
The counties approved to export pigs account for about half the countrys production. Mr Hardwick said he had been surprised by the speed with which the measure had been agreed, pointing to the positive role of the EU Commission in the face of opposition from the Dutch.
British traders at ANUGA reported strong demand for British pork from the Continent and a number were able to sign deals (see Business, page 21). *