Jul 3rd, 2009

ICMSA satisfied that Dept will resist 'pointless' new live export regulations

Speaking following a meeting with senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Martin McMahon, Chairperson of ICMSA's Beef and Cattle Committee, said that the leaked proposals being put forward by the EU Commission on animal transport regulations are totally unnecessary and would have disastrous consequences for the live export trade which is so important to Irish farmers.

The ICMSA Chairman said that over 160,000 head of cattle have been exported so far this year and given the serious fodder situation in the country, the trade has been absolutely essential to relief pressure on farmers and also to ensure greater competition for their cattle.

Mr. McMahon welcomed the position taken by the Department that it would reject the Commission proposals and its expression of full agreement with ICMSA that the current regulations are effective and are working well from an animal welfare viewpoint.

'Let's be clear, it is in Irish farmers' interests and live exporters' interests that their livestock reach their destination in healthy, commercially-attractive condition. ICMSA believes that the animal welfare infrastructure put in place by live exporters is of the highest standard and any person who has visited these premises and transporters will see the extremely professional job being done. The highest animal welfare standards are being adhered to and the EU Commission must stop bringing in pointless regulations for the sake of regulations', stated Mr McMahon.

'It is quite clear that the regulations in place are effective and an independent Teagasc study has confirmed this. The Department must continue to reject these proposals as they are unnecessary and will simply add additional costs to a degree that could stop Ireland's live export trade while doing absolutely nothing to improve animal welfare.

Mr. McMahon said that it is highly unlikely that there will be any changes in regulations for 2009 as discussions are ongoing and the Department and Bord Bia will do everything possible to facilitate the trade in order to maximise returns for calf and weanling producers as well as easing the fodder pressures on farms.

'Farm incomes and cash flow are at crisis point and the live export trade can play an important role in easing these pressures', concluded Mr. McMahon.

BACK TO 2009 ARCHIVES