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Scottish meat exports restored
03/10/2007
The European Commission's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (Scofcah) has today decided to allow Scottish meat exports to resume subject to stringent conditions.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"This is a hugely significant step forward for Scotland's farmers and our livestock industry. They have been through two very anxious months and I applaud their resilience and patience over this period.
"The Scottish Government took Scotland's case for a lifting of the export ban directly to the Commission in Brussels last week and they were very impressed with the presentation made by Charles Milne, our chief veterinary officer. The Scottish Government is grateful to Defra for taking this forward as part of the GB-wide approach at Scofcah.
"Today's decision means that Scottish exports of fresh meat but not animals can resume from October 12, subject to strict conditions.
"It is another milestone in getting back to business. From tomorrow we will have markets back in business and the lifting of restrictions on drivers' hours will help deal with the backlog.
"But we are by no means out of the woods yet. The Scottish Government will continue to pull out all the stops to support our rural communities and this vital industry. I will be meeting with key representatives of the industry tomorrow to discuss exports and what more needs to be done, including the sheep welfare scheme."