Strong start for live export co-operative

Just 24 hours after the lifting of Britain's live export ban, the first consignment of calves crossed the English Channel, bound for veal farms in Belgium – and marking the end of ten years of frustration and isolation for UK livestock farmers. The consignment was sent by the new farmer's co-operative, Anglo European Farmers Ltd (AEF).

Now, after trading for some 5 months, AEF report that the operation is going to plan meeting the objectives set out when the co-operative was first launched in March.

By the end of July, calves – ranging from Holsteins to Continental/Belgian Blues - had been sold, achieving good prices. It has meant that dairy farmers are now beginning to see a real value in their bull calves which has not been seen for 10 years.

The Co-operative Owners/ Members is now past 1,000 and continuing to grow with the confident prediction that 2,000 members will be achieved in the short to medium term. AEF have sent out Nomination Forms to it's members to vote for four Farmer Directors to be appointed to the board. This month, AEF will announce the appointment of the Farmer Directors from nominations made by it's members.

Coverage from the media on animal welfare issues has been generally positive – as have been the views of animal welfare officers accompanying the initial shipments. It should be added too that welfare standards in mainland Europe have improved beyond all recognition compared to ten years ago. A spokesman made the comment that '' The welfare of the calves is at least the same if not of a higher standard than in the U.K. ''

David Owen of AEF commented: "This has been a most encouraging start. The co-operative has had teething problems which any new business has to overcome. It has not been helped by certain groups seeing this 'farmer controlled' co-operative as a threat to the old fashioned wholesale trading of livestock. What has been most pleasing is the enthusiasm of European buyers for resuming trade with UK farmers. This gives us the confidence to build on what has been achieved so far. With increasing membership and growing demand we have made immediate plans for shipments on a weekly basis. Our goal of re-establishing the deserved reputation of British agriculture in Europe is well on the way to being achieved."

In the next few weeks shipment of sheep and suckled calves are planned to be carried on the co-operative's ferry.

The spokesman went on to say '' the core principals of the co-operative is that the owners/members who are the farmers are taking control of their produce. Because of this they are delivering directly to the European Market.