BEEF EXPO 2010: NBA Discusses bTB, Cost Sharing And Export Markets

UK - At Beef Expo 2010, held yesterday (27 May) in Hexham, the National Beef Association (NBA) took the opportunity to express their views on bovine tuberculosis, responsibility of cost sharing and export opportunities. Charlotte Johnston, TheCattleSite junior editor reports.

28 May 2010

2 minute read

Europe

"We see the coalition government as a positive thing," said NBA Chairman, Kim Haywood. "It is an opportunity for the industry to take issues forward."

"We have been working closely with the government and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to get a policy in place surrounding bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

"We are looking for a complete and utter overhaul of policy and look forward to working with the new Minister of Agriculture and Secretary of State."

Speaking on the responsibility of cost sharing, Ms Haywood said that the NBA were completely opposed to any type of levy that could be imposed onto producers, as well as the setting up of a new animal health body.

With what Ms Haywood describes as critical beef prices, she said that we must look at developing beef markets abroad, and work with Minsters to get third country export markets open.

"We must work harder than ever to re-open export markets that were closed over 10 years ago due to the outbreak of BSE in the UK. To do this a huge marketing campaign is required. "

Whilst the UK Export Certification Group has been working with other countries to re-open export markets, Ms Haywood said that she felt the progress was slow moving and the negotiations were taking time.

She said that North Africa, Russia and South East Asia were markets that the UK should be targeting, particularly with low value cuts.

The NBA will have their first official meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Jim Paice in the next few weeks, where they will recommend government savings.