Beefing up exports to Switzerland

Exports of cattle and beef to Switzerland have been given the thumbs up, making it the first country outside the EU to lift its ban on British beef. And the news has come as a welcome fillip to farmers says John Cross, chairman of the English Beef and Lamb Executive. Switzerland was one of the first countries to ban British beef and cattle because of BSE back in 1990. The lifting of the ban takes effect from June 5, 2006. John said: "This is extremely good news.

Though the EU ban has been lifted, there is a job of work to be done in re-opening a host of countries outside the EU. "We will have to negotiate individually with each one and this move by the Swiss is very welcome. We will be encouraging others to follow their example."