UFU calls on UK govt to restrict Brazilian meat imports
The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has said that it is increasing pressure on the UK government to introduce restrictions on imports of Brazilian beef, poultry and other animal products.
The call to action follows the European Commission's decision to remove Brazil from the list of countries permitted to export certain beef products to the EU from September due to antimicrobial and traceability concerns amongst their national herd.
In light of the EU's decision, the UFU raised concerns regarding this issue to Northern Irish MPs and ministers from the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The union's deputy president, Clement Lynch emphasised that farmers "need assurances that the UK will not become a destination for products that can no longer access the European market."
He said: "The prospect of beef or poultry produced using growth-promoting hormones entering the Northern Ireland and wider UK supply chain is extremely concerning.
"These hormones are banned in the UK, and our farmers operate under strict rules designed to protect animal welfare, food safety and consumer confidence.
"It would be completely unacceptable for local farmers to be required to meet these high standards while being undercut by imported products produced to standards that would not be permitted here."
According to Lynch, even a relatively small increase in the volume of beef or poultry entering the UK from Brazil "could place further downward pressure on farmgate prices" amidst an "already volatile market."
He added: "Beef producers are already dealing with significant market uncertainty, while processors have also voiced concerns about the potential disruption additional imports could cause throughout the supply chain.
"The UK government must act before trade is redirected, rather than waiting until damage has already been done to our domestic farming industry."
Defra
Regarding imports of Brazilian beef, Defra outlined that it is currently undertaking its own assessment of Brazil’s use of antimicrobials assurance arrangements.
The department stated that imports from Brazil may continue while the assessment is being completed.
"Great Britain will continue to engage with industry partners and the Brazilian authorities," Defra commented.
