Ulster exports by 98
Ulster exports by 98
ULSTER looks increasingly likely to be able to restart its beef export trade by the turn of the year, following the most recent developments in Brussels.
EU farm commissioner Franz Fischler announced on Tuesday that talks between the EU commission officials and MAFF on the certified herd scheme had finished, and that a formal proposal, which would allow qualifying Northern Ireland producers to export beef, would now be submitted to the standing veterinary committee.
Although the proposal will ask for the ban to be lifted on certified herds across the UK, the scientific veterinary committee has already made clear that only Northern Ireland would benefit because it is the only area of the UK with computerised cattle traceability.
The standing committee, comprising government chief vets from each member state, is likely to examine the scheme in late November and send inspectors to the province to check that adequate controls are in place. A qualified majority in favour of the proposal will allow exports to resume.