28 February 2008

2 minute read

South America

The European Commission has allowed exports from 106 farms and others are expected to qualify for new export licences shortly.

However, the move has been condemned by farming groups in Europe.

The Irish Farmers’ Association President Padraig Walshe said EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou was highly irresponsible in the light of the admission by the Brazilian Agriculture Minister Reinhold Stephanes that untraceable beef had been exported by Brazil.

Mr Walshe accused the Commissioner of political expediency in taking a decision in the absence of proper inspections by the Food and Veterinary Office.

He said Kyprianou has made a mockery of European food traceability standards, with stringent regulations for European farmers and non-compliance for Brazilians.

Mr Walshe vowed to continue the IFA campaign for equivalent standards for all food producers whether in Ireland or in importing countries. However, the Mr Stephanes said the move was positive.

“It is a positive signal that re-establishes confidence in Brazilian traceability,” he said.

He asaid that other farms will join the 106 once they have met the Brazilian regulations.

He said that Brazil does not have problems in meeting EU sanitary standards just meeting the traceability requirements.

“It has only been a question of traceability,” said Mr Stephanes.

“That will gradually be cured, allowing more companies to qualify for export.”

The EU auditors had been inspecting the traceability systems in place controlled by Sisbov for 48 hours to satisfy themselves that all was in order.

TheCattleSite News Desk