Elliott calls for Action to safeguard Agri-Food Sector
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has responded to today’s news of a suspected case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by calling for the return of bio-security measures at the Province’s ports and airports.
In a statement Tom, vice chairman of the Assembly’s DARD committee, said: “The news of a suspected case of FMD some 30 miles from the site of the recent outbreak in Surrey must be met with an immediate response from the Agriculture Minister. Measures must be put in place to ensure FMD does not enter the Province.
“Action must be taken to safeguard the local agri-food sector from the potentially devastating impact of this disease, the NI Executive has proved on several occasions the benefit of having local politicians dealing with this issue in a decisive manner and I trust this will continue.”
In conclusion the Fermanagh and South Tyrone assemblyman added: “As a farmer and a member of the Assembly’s DARD committee I will continue to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds and work to ensure that, if this case is confirmed to be FMD, it is contained and does not impact on Northern Ireland producers or consumers.”