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Exports of British cattle and beef to Switzerland have
been given the go-ahead,
making it the first country outside the European Union to lift its ban
on British beef
and cattle. The news has come as a welcome fillip to farmers says Rob
Wills,
Executive Manager of the British Livestock Genetics Consortium.
The lifting
of the ban takes effect from June 5, 2006. Switzerland is a potentially
important market for breeding cattle and beef. Switzerland
itself was affeced by BSE but like other countries, it banned British
beef and cattle imports; some of the last British exports there were
of Highland cattle.
Rob said: "This is extremely good news. Though the EU ban has been
lifted,
there is a big task in re-opening a host of countries outside the EU
and re-establishing business contacts.
The job has already started, "We have to negotiate individually
with each country for certification and this move by the Swiss is very
welcome. It sets a good example, based on the science, recognising the
progress made in Britain which now has less BSE than some other EU members.
We will be encouraging others to follow the excellent Swiss example.
We look forward to showing prospective customers our cattle and the progress
that has been made whilst we have been out of the market."
[3May
06]
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