Delaying new labelling for meats will put farmers’ livelihoods ‘at risk’

ANY hesitation in introducing new European country-of-origin labelling for pigmeat and poultry next month will put Irish producers’ livelihoods at risk, according to the IFA.

IFA pigmeat chairman Tim Cullinan said the inter-ests of the Irish consumer will be impeded by any Government delay in introducing the European Commission’s regulations.

Mr Cullinan said: “Pig producers expect the introduction of country-of-origin regulations to clear up the confusion that has allowed importers to pass off their products as Irish. We will also expect greater returns from the market, as consumers will make informed decisions to buy Irish.”

IFA president John Bryan said the announcement by the Commission that the country-of-origin would be extended to pig meat and poultry meat from next month was a landmark in exposing lesser quality imports. He said many meat imports failed to meet the high standards on traceability and animal welfare adhered to by European producers.

Mr Bryan said: “For too long, producers outside Europe have avoided the scrutiny that applies to producers here. Com-pulsory country-of-origin will clarify in consumers’ minds what complies with the highest standards.”

He said the Government must ensure the effective implementation of the regulations.

“Producers who have campaigned for this will not tolerate any hold-up in setting up a robust policing system here,” Mr Bryan said.

IFA poultry chairman Alo Mohan said that poultry growers have pressed for this legislation and will be insisting that it is implemented in a vigorous manner.