Call for ‘rigorous verification’ before Brazilian beef imports resume
Macra said the suspension of Brazilian beef, poultry and other animal product imports into the EU is “a significant step towards protecting a level playing field for Irish and European farmers”.
The suspension, which came into force yesterday (Thursday, September 3), follows concerns regarding Brazil’s compliance with EU rules on the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals.
In May, member states voted to exclude Brazil from an updated list of third countries authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products to the EU.
In order to be reincluded on this list, the commission said Brazil must ensure compliance with EU requirements on the use of antimicrobials for the entire lifetime of the animals that the exported products originate from.
Macra president Josephine O’Neill said the suspension “must be more than a temporary measure” and called for “rigorous verification of compliance” before Brazilian beef exports to the EU are permitted to resume.
Brazil
O’Neill said the decision to suspend Brazilian beef imports is “a welcome and significant development for Irish agriculture”.
She said the move was of particular importance for young farmers “who are trying to build viable businesses while meeting some of the highest food safety, animal health, traceability and environmental standards in the world”.
“This decision reinforces why Macra remains firmly opposed to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
“There cannot be one rulebook for European farmers and another for imports.
“If Europe sets high standards for its own farmers, those standards must be independently verified and enforced for every product entering the EU market,” she said.
Macra president Josephine O’Neill
The Macra president said the suspension “demonstrates the importance of effective controls and verification systems for imported food products”.
“For young farmers, this is fundamentally about fairness and their ability to build viable businesses.
“Irish beef is high-quality, traceable and produced to rigorous European standards.
“If Europe is serious about generational renewal in agriculture, it must protect that level playing field and ensure its trade policy supports, rather than undermines, the next generation of farmers,” she said.
Related Stories
Authorities confirm Brazilian beef imported before ban can be sold
Mullooly meets UFU on Brazilian beef as EU ban kicks in
UK prime minister non-committal on Brazilian beef import ban
.editor-styles-wrapper .wp-block-acf-related-stories-block { max-width: 960px !important; background-color: var(--color-gray-default); padding-inline: 40px; padding-top: 8px !important; padding-bottom: 20px !important; }
The post Call for ‘rigorous verification’ before Brazilian beef imports resume appeared first on Agriland.ie .
Source: Agriland. Summary reproduced for informational purposes.
Related
AgricultureCarlow farming family turns GAA medals into business success
The accumulation of lots of hurling and Gaelic football medals by her husband led Ana Coady to start a new business, Little and Loveable, on the family farm. She said: “My husband, John, is a full-time sheep and dry cattle farmer and the idea actually started
AgricultureGenerators for farms: What support is available?
As the winter months approach, farmers may be considering purchasing a generator. Generators can be vital equipment for farms to have due to weather-related impacts on electricity supply. Farmers may be considering either a diesel generator or a power-take-off
AgricultureRethinking dry-off on a high-performing Kerry herd
For Co. Kerry dairy farmer Maurice Harty, getting the most from a high-performing cow starts with making the most of the genetics in the herd. At Ballylongane Pedigree Holstein Friesians, the Harty family has been breeding pedigree cows since 1967, with the he
AgricultureWeekly factory cattle supply up 5,600 head on same week last year
Weekly factory cattle supplies are up 5,600 head on the same week of last year, despite the overall kill this year being down by over 46,000 head or 4.2%. Last year saw unusually lower kill numbers throughout the second half of the year, whereas this year, kil
Never miss a headline
The biggest stories in business and finance, delivered to your inbox. Join thousands of readers — unsubscribe any time.