McAleer raises concerns over Brazilian beef imports and impact on local farmers

West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has highlighted concerns over Brazilian beef imports to Britain and called for protection for farmers in the North.

The Sinn Féin representative said: '“In July, I wrote to the DAERA Minister seeking clarity on the EU's decision to restrict Brazilian beef imports linked to concern around standards and the potential implications for farmers and consumers here. I subsequently received a response from DEFRA outlining the British Government's position.

“'This confirmed that while the EU has imposed restrictions linked to concerns around antimicrobial standards, the British Government has chosen not to follow the same course and is instead carrying out its own assessment.

“This is another example of the difficulties created by Brexit. We now have a situation where Britain is taking a different approach to the EU on important issues affecting agriculture and food standards, despite the fact that our local farmers depend on access to and integration with the EU market.

“It is important to remember that the North did not support Brexit, yet our farmers, businesses and consumers continue to deal with the consequences of decisions they did not vote for. Divergence between Britain and the EU is not good for farmers here.

“Our beef industry is a cornerstone of the rural economy, supporting farming families and communities across the North. Ireland, north and south, exports significant quantities of beef to Britain each year, underlining the importance of maintaining high standards, protecting market access and providing certainty for producers.”

He added that farmers are rightly concerned that they should not be placed at a competitive disadvantage by imports produced under standards that differ from those required of local producers.

“'Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for the highest standards in food safety, animal welfare and traceability, while standing up for our farming sector. We will continue to press for assurances that local producers are protected, consumer confidence is maintained, and that no decision is taken which undermines the reputation of our world-class agri-food industry.”