Elliott calls on Minister to alleviate fears and use influence to stop EU states obstructing NI exports
Tom Elliott UUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA and Vice-Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee today said he was concerned that some EU countries were trying to capitalise and make a financial gain in their own markets by obstructing Northern Ireland exports because of Foot and Mouth disease in the South-East of England.
Mr Elliott was also critical that the UK was continuing to import meat and dairy products from countries where is is known that Foot and Mouth exists and is commonplace. The Vice-Chair also highlighted the worries of some dairy sector producers who are stockpiling products amid concerns that their produce would be returned.
In a statement Mr Elliott said,
“It appears that, as in the previous outbreak, some EU states are trying to obstruct the entry of our meat and dairy products to their market. This is being done for their own financial gain and is illegal. However given that the fines for doing this are so negligible it is unlikely that we will see this practice halted.
Additionally I cannot see the logic in the UK continuing to import meat and dairy products from third countries that are known to have foot and mouth disease.
Lastly, despite rthe rosy picture being painted by the Department of Agriculture, my understanding is that a number of dairy processors are currently stockpiling produce because of fears that their products will be returned.
As a matter of urgency I would call on the Minister to help alleviate these fears and use whatever influence she has to ensure that our exports are not hindered nor obstructed illegally.”