SCOTLAND-The Scottish beef industry is cautiously optimistic that a spat between the larger cow-buying abattoirs south of the border and English marts will not spread north.
English livestock marts are refusing to deduct £7.50 per beast from farmers’ cheques on behalf of abattoirs to cover the cost of BSE testing of cattle aged over 48 months.
Abattoirs have retaliated by saying they will not buy cull cows through the ring until they do.
The row appears to be confined to England and Wales at present. A spokesman for the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers commented: "Arrangements for covering the cost of testing are a matter for individual operators and we have not heard of any general problem in Scotland."
James Withers, chief executive of NFU Scotland, commented: "We have long argued that any compulsory BSE testing is there to protect human health and deliver food safety and, as such, any costs associated should be borne by government.
"However, in Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) current drive to cut its budget, the cost of testing animals over 48 months of age before they enter the food chain has been forced onto industry since the start of this year. This is regrettable as any additional costs have a habit of making their way down the food chain to the primary producer.
"In Scotland, the issue of abattoirs or their buyers deducting the cost of the BSE test after a price has been agreed on an older animal, either through the ring or when bought direct by a meat processor, does not appear to be a major issue.
"For us, the position would be clear. For animals bought through the ring, the price agreed when the gavel falls is the price the farmer should expect, net of the auctioneers commission and statutory levies. No further deductions should be made and any testing costs should be factored into the price the buyer pays. It may well be worth clarifying that again at sales for both the buyer’s and seller’s benefit.
"For those who sell direct to an abattoir, any deductions that are to be made should be clearly outlined up front to those consigning animals before the animals arrive at the abattoir. Sellers need to insist on that point if they have any doubts."
l ANM Group yesterday announced the appointment of Alan Craig, general manager of ABP Scotland, to succeed Brian Pack, who is retiring as chief executive.
