News
4th January 10
1/4/2010
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has said that there needs to be a conscious effort made to protect British farmers from the potential damage caused by increases in Brazilian beef imports.
Elliott “conscious of the need” to counteract increase in Brazilian farms exporting to EU
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has said that there needs to be a conscious effort made to protect British farmers from the potential damage caused by increases in Brazilian beef imports. He was speaking after it was revealed that a further number of farms in Brazil have received approval to export in the EU market bringing the total number approved to 1,651.
In a statement, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: “We have known for some time now that Brazilian beef imports into the EU pose potential difficulties to local farmers. Brazil is responsible for approximately a quarter of the international beef trade and currently exports to over 170 different countries. There is no doubting that it is a monster in terms of market share, but we cannot stand idly by and allow it to dominate the market to such a level that local farmers feel marginalised and increasingly struggle to make a living. “
“As I understand it, the Brazilian government has recently passed measures to introduce a new simpler, but compulsory, traceability scheme. This is with the aim of reducing the fears and doubts that surround the effectiveness of the current voluntary SISBOV traceability system. While I would welcome this development in terms of attempting to ensure that all beef is produced at a satisfactory standard for human consumption, however I have serious doubts if their standards will come close to locally produced beef. It makes it even more important that we take action now to support our local farmers.”
“This is why Ulster Unionists and Conservatives are continuing to work towards the introduction of honest food labelling. Currently there is concern that Brazilian beef is used in products, which is claimed to be produced in Britain. However, the reality is that it was simply packaged here and not necessarily produced to the high standards we follow in this country. That is why it is imperative that only food born and bred in the United Kingdom is labelled as such. This would help to counteract an increase in Brazilian imports as statistics show that the majority of people would like to buy local produce. Therefore, if it came to a point where they had a clear choice between product with a Union flag and a product with a Brazilian flag I am confident many of the would support British farming and buy the local product.”
“Farmers across Northern Ireland need to be aware of the dangers the local industry faces from foreign markets. We must work together, not only locally but nationally as a British industry, to ensure that our farmers receive the support they need. Only the Ulster Unionists and Conservatives have the ability to deliver on this front and we need the support of people to be able to do so.”
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