Latest Lifting of FMD Restrictions Welcomed

UK - Farms in the area most directly affected by this summer’s foot and mouth outbreaks in the UK have been given the goahead to resume exporting meat following the lifting of some of the restrictions that were still in place.

6 December 2007

1 minute read

Europe

The area around Surrey that had been subject to a ban on all exports will now be able to export meat subject to certain restrictions.

The rest of Great Britain will be able to export meat and meat products normally. However export certification will still be required.

National Farmers' Union livestock board chairman Thomas Binns said: "This is another welcome step towards a return to normality and will give a morale boost to farmers in the South East.

"There should now be no reason why livestock producers throughout the country should not begin to see financial benefits from increased farmgate prices as all marketing opportunities for meat and by-products are open across the EU."

The Department of Environment Food and rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued advice to exporters over the arrangements for exporting meat and meat products. In the Customer Information Note (CIN)DEFRA sets out the conditions for export under the European Commission decision 2007/554/EC and warns exporters that animals for meat production must have been moved for slaughter after the decision had been adopted if the meat is to eligible for export.