Farmers welcome compromise with Russia over beef trade
IRELAND - Farm leaders have welcomed Russia’s decision not to impose a ban on beef imports from the European Union, including Ireland, from today.
1 January 2007
1 minute read
Russia agrees to a deal but farmers remain worried about the proposed trade deal with South America, reports Agribusiness Correspondent Ray Ryan. FARM leaders have welcomed Russia’s decision not to impose a ban on beef imports from the European Union, including Ireland, from today.
However, they have also warned that the €2 billion Irish beef industry is facing a potential new threat from a possible bilateral trade deal between the European Union and South American countries.
Ireland’s €40 million beef export trade with Russia came under threat after Moscow threatened to ban all meat imports from the European Union in January.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan raised the issue with the European Commission. Farm leaders also voiced concern. Russia’s threat related to concerns it had raised about the status of animal products from Romania and Bulgaria after these states join the EU.
Source: Irish Examiner
