MSP WELCOMES LIFTING OF EU BAN (Jim Hume)

MSP WELCOMES LIFTING OF EU BAN

August 23, 2007 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has welcomed the news that the EU has lifted the ban on exporting Scottish meat, livestock and diary products following the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey.

Speaking from his constituency of the South of Scotland Jim said:-

"Many people will be breathing a sigh of relief after today's announcement.

"This is very good news indeed and I understand that as of this Saturday (25th August), UK farmers will be able to export meat, dairy products and live animals to other EU countries. Only farms within the surveillance zone in Surrey, where the two outbreaks were confirmed, remain covered by the ban.

The MSP continued:-

"It cannot be understated the sheer relief felt by those in the livestock sector that the outbreak seems to have been contained and that now at last exports can begin again.

"During my time as a Director with the NFU Scotland I saw at first hand how badly the South of Scotland was hit by foot and mouth disease in 2001 and it has taken years for the region to make steps in recovering economically. The 2001 outbreak resulted in the cull of more than 500,000 animals in Dumfries and Galloway alone.

"We cannot put a value on the emotional cost to farmers and those involved in rural businesses, many of whom were unable to recover not only economically but also emotionally from the effects of the last outbreak.

"The challenge now will be to actively promote and market Scottish produce effectively in a bid to counter any negative perceptions caused as a result of what happened in Surrey.

"It should be clear that Scotland produces some of the best quality food in the world and that's why I'm calling on the Scottish Executive to establish a Scottish food Marketing Board so that Scotland's produce is marketed worldwide to best economic effect.

"I would also urge the Scottish Executive to continue to work with the major retailers to encourage them to support our primary producers by offering fair prices for the food they provide. Lamb prices in particular have dropped significantly since the beginning of the month and farmers are simply not able to absorb these financial losses.

"I have written to the major retailers to ask them to support the industry and sincerely hope that they will stand by their previous commitment to Scotland's producers."