ICSA eyes BSE test scheme extension

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson has predicted that the 30-month BSE test will be extended to 36 months from January next.

Speaking after a meeting with Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, he said the 30-month test involved huge expense and great inconvenience for farmers and meat processors.

A final decision from Europe is expected at the Council of Ministers meeting in early January.

“I am confident that the minister has sufficient support to bring about this much-needed change,” he said.

Robin Smith, ICSA beef chairman, said the extension of the test to 36 months will put money back in farmers’ pockets, where it rightly belongs.