Rodgers pledges to fight for beef exports

Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers tonight pledged to do all she can to restore exports of Northern Irish beef to France.

With reports the French government poised to relax its ban on British beef imposed during the BSE crisis, the minister hoped Northern Ireland farmers will be able to export soon.

Mrs Rodgers (SDLP, Upper Bann) said she expected the French to move very quickly to remove

the ban.

“I would expect that when that happens we will be in a position to export under the new date based export scheme (DBES) rules to France.

“Whatever I can do within my power as a minister to encourage support for Northern Irish beef on the French market within the rules of competition of course I will certainly do.”