More work now required within the Beef Industry - Elliott
Ulster Unionist agriculture spokesman Tom Elliott MLA has called for a strong marketing strategy to promote Northern Irish beef on mainland Europe, the comment comes after the findings of a report by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) were published this week. The report examined the potential markets for Northern Ireland red meat in five European countries, namely France, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Denmark.
The study was commissioned by the LMC in anticipation of the lifting of the beef export ban.
In a statement the Fermanagh and South Tyrone assemblyman said: “The announcement on 8 March was indeed welcome, and the unanimity of the vote sent a clear signal regarding the safety and quality of British Beef around the world.
“However, as we near the actual commencement of exports the industry must be fully prepared for the tough job that lies ahead, the job of trying to rebuild our lost markets.
“Marketing of products, no matter what you care to mention, is now a highly competitive and professional operation, that is why the research by the LMC is an essential first step. The impact of the recent bird flu cases on chicken sales highlights how important consumer confidence is.
“The enviable traceability record of Northern Irish beef and the natural production methods are selling points which need emphasizing at every opportunity, if we want consumers to switch back to our produce this differential needs promoting.”
When exports recommence it will be over ten years since the European Commission voted to ban global exports of UK beef and cattle. Over Thirty-Month (OTM) cattle are only permitted for human consumption after successfully passing a BSE test, it will also remain the case that animals born before 1 August 1996 are excluded from the food chain.
“The knock on effect of farmers leaving the industry is incalculable, when you consider that in 1995 beef exports from Northern Ireland amounted to some £123million at farmgate prices, you begin to realise the loss to our rural areas in particular and to the province as a whole.
“I call on all stakeholders to work in partnership to promote our quality produce to our European neighbours, a focused, professional strategy is needed, as now the real work begins.”