Major boost for industry as BSE negligible status is achieved

The local beef industry has received a major boost with news that Northern Ireland has achieved negligible risk status for BSE.
The beef industry has received a major boost with new export opportunitiesThe beef industry has received a major boost with new export opportunities
The beef industry has received a major boost with new export opportunities

Notification of the risk classification upgrade to negligible risk status, the safest level, was confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) at a meeting in Paris today, following an application from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) submitted in 2016.

Chief Veterinary Officer Robert Huey hailed the decision as “a significant achievement that has been many years in the making”.

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He added: “Northern Ireland has had no cases of BSE since 2012 and this announcement is testament to the tireless efforts of our beef producers and finishers, our red meat businesses, vets, government officials and many others who have worked together to maintain a system of interlocking safeguards against BSE that protects our public and animal health.

“The move to negligible risk status will help improve the global image of Northern Ireland as a disease-free area and could assist in opening up access to new markets across the world for our premium exports.”

Conall Donnelly, CEO of the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association, said the decision is a strong endorsement of the health standards of the Northern Ireland herd.

He added: “This will pay dividends in terms of our international reputation and will be a significant factor in helping to further develop our access to global markets.

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“As an industry we will be seeking to work closely with government to capitalise on Negligible Risk Status and ensure the greatest possible benefit.”

Ulster Farmers Union, deputy president, Victor Chestnutt, says the move will be welcomed by livestock farmers.

“This will give Northern Ireland beef a more positive image on the world stage. It should help us gain access to key target markets, such as China, USA, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines,” added Mr Chestnutt.

“Beef exporters believe securing access to these markets could put an extra £12 million a year into the supply chain. In countries we already trade in, it opens up the possibility of amending access agreements. This could boost trade in offals, again adding value to the local supply chain.2

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BSE NR also creates an opportunity to reduce processing charges to farmers, as less Specified Risk Material (SRM) will need to be disposed of, leading to savings of up to £1.2 million a year.

“Reducing the amount of material now sent for destruction, and using more of the carcass, will also reduce the carbon footprint of the beef sector,” added Mr Chestnutt.