MSP BACKS THE CASE FOR LIFTING MEAT EXPORT BAN (Jim Hume)

MSP BACKS THE CASE FOR LIFTING MEAT EXPORT BAN

August 22, 2007 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has today welcomed the continued efforts being taken by the NFUScotland to ensure the ban on UK meat exports is lifted in Scotland following the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Surrey earlier in the month.

Jim Hume said:-

"Clearly when FMD was found in Surrey it was important for obvious reasons to clamp down on nationwide animal movements, but there does now seem to be a good case for lifting the ban on Scottish exports.

"The movement restrictions initially put in place have been relaxed to some degree and it would seem sensible now to lift the EU export ban at the very least on a regional basis. Northern Ireland is already able to export its meat produce and this should now be the case for Scotland.

The MSP continued:-

"Being unable to export meat even for the three month period creates additional economic burdens on the Scottish farming sector.

"It is particularly critical for the sheep sector as delays in sales will have a knock on impact well beyond this summer. The financial impact of the FMD restrictions includes the loss of income from skins which would normally be exported and the extra disposal cost for abattoir waste which must now go to landfill.

"There is also the additional pressure that some large retailers which take 60% of the lamb in Scotland have been reported as offering producers prices as low as 200p/kg, down from an already low figure of 258p/kg before the FMD outbreak. Industry representatives are talking to the major retailers about the need for them to support Scottish producers and separately I shall be making representations to the Scottish Executive.

"I would urge the major retailers in the meantime to do all they can to keep prices up. Given their commitment to support the Scottish meat industry in the past, now would be an excellent chance for them to show support in a real and practical way.

"Officials are meeting in Brussels tomorrow (Thursday) and the decision as to whether the ban should be lifted will be made during those talks.