Farmers need full SFP; farm unions

Editorial Department • Published 10 Jun 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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The Single Farm Payment must be fully protected and paid to active livestock producers, according to a consensus of Chairmen of livestock committees across the British Isles.

The Ulster Farmers' Union, UK farming unions and IFA livestock chairmen re-enforced their commitment to work together to secure a strong and fully funded CAP budget which is essential for the livestock sector regarding the ongoing CAP 2013 debate at a special meeting in Edinburgh.

A spokesman for the Ulster Farmers' Union said,"All attendees expressed total opposition to the recent decision by the European Union Commission to reopen trade talks between the EU and Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The European livestock sector needs the full support of the EU Commission to meet the challenges of climate change and food security across Europe. Re-engaging in the EU-Mercosur negotiations is contradictory to EU agricultural policy, which demands, amongst many things, that EU producers must farm with increasing efficiency in order to reduce the effects of climate change whilst also producing meat to the highest animal health and welfare standards.

"Allowing an increase in beef imports from Brazil and other South American countries compromises the demands placed upon European farmers and it is unfair to farmers and consumers that meat may be imported from outside the EU where the same standards are often not met. In addition, South American production fails to meet EU standards across the important consumer issues of traceability, food safety, animal health and environmental controls.

"European consumers expect safe, affordable food produced to the highest environmental and animal health standards and UK and Irish livestock producers deliver on this demand consistently. The UFU along with other UK and Ireland farm organisations are committed to working together in addressing issues covering all areas of livestock farming. By organising these meetings, we can ensure that we work effectively together in achieving the best possible outcome for UK and Irish livestock farming," he said.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Jun 10

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