Beef ban to be lifted - billion pound market beckons

The imminent resumption of beef exports offers Britain's farmers the chance to recapture the £675m market, which was lost when the ban was imposed in 1996.

The decision, which should be enacted by European Parliament in coming weeks, will put Britain's farmers back on an even standing with other farmers within the common market. It will provide access to markets like France, where beef is wholesaling for over 25p per kilo more than it is in the UK*.

The unanimous vote by the EC's veterinary science group, SCoFCAH (Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health) is recognition that the British beef industry has met all scientific, veterinary and public health criteria required for the ban to be lifted.

NFU President, Peter Kendall, said: "This is the most positive news for the British beef industry in a decade. We can now look forward to recapturing the £675m market that was lost when the ban was put in place. This decision should create competition in the domestic market and provide access to potentially lucrative continental buyers.

"Since 1996 we have worked tirelessly in Brussels and Whitehall to gain re-admittance to the common market and this decision recognises that the industry has put in place structures which not only meet but exceed European food safety requirements.

"We are now back on an even footing with our competitors in the EC and I believe the quality of the British product will ensure that we begin to recapture our share of beef sales on the continent as soon as the ban is officially lifted."