United Kingdom-BSE Charges.

UNITED KINGDOM-DISPUTE OVER BSE CHARGES.

Producers are reacting angrily to plans by some meat processors to pass charges for BSE testing back down the supply chain.

The National Farmers’ Union is calling on processors to change the decision to pass the cost of BSE testing of cattle over 48 months to farmers.

Farming leaders said they were disappointed by the move, having already opposed the government’s plans to pass the cost down to industry.

A number of livestock markets are reported to be defying processors and refusing to impose a £7.50 deduction on payments to farmers, a move supported by the NFU.