Weight limit is all set to go
Weight limit is all set to go
BEEF market managers in Brussels are expected to vote today (Friday) on lifting the 560kg weight limit for cattle entering the over-thirty-month scheme.
Although not officially on the beef management committee agenda as FW went to press on Wednesday (May 10), commission sources said there was still time. Alternatively, it could be discussed under "any other business".
Little opposition is expected when it is presented, though it remains to be seen whether the committee will opt for the total removal of the limit, (as requested by the UK), or just an increase. "It is also possible they may raise the weight for cull cows, but leave it unchanged for clean cattle," said Marie Hunter from the NFUs Brussels office.
The measure was suggested by prime minister, Tony Blair, at the Downing Street farm summit last March, and is seen as an essential way of getting more cash into livestock producers pockets.