Lifting of beef export ban a step closer

An EC report released this week has opened the way for the lifting of the UK's beef export ban and provides a welcome boost to the livestock industry.

The EC's Food and Veterinary Office has acknowledged the high standards of traceability, food safety and general good practice in the UK beef industry since the BSE outbreak.

The comprehensive report represents one of the final steps in removing the ban which has been in place since 1996. NFU Cymru will now be pushing for both the European Commission and the UK Government to remove all barriers currently preventing the export of beef products from the UK.

NFU Cymru President Peredur Hughes said: "This is a really good day for Welsh beef farmers. I will be pushing very hard now for a complete lifting of this ban at all levels so our beef farmers can take their rightful place in the single market.

"Domestic beef prices have dropped to unsustainably low prices in recent months and access to the more profitable continental markets is desperately needed in order to boost returns.

"The entire industry should take credit for this excellent news. This report acknowledges the hard work of everyone in developing and implementing the traceability system we have put in place since the BSE outbreak."