EC to discuss proposed restrictions on Brazilian beef

Proposals that could dramatically reduce the amount of Brazilian beef being imported into the EU are to be presented to a meeting of the European Commission in Brussels today.

The proposals would restrict the number of Brazilian farms from which beef would be accepted in Europe.

The Irish Farmers Association has been leading a vociferous campaign against the importation of Brazilian beef, claiming the country's traceability rules and disease controls are not up to scratch.

The EC, however, has previously rejected the claims.

The IFA says Brazilian farms should be subject to the same quality standards as EU farmers and it has expressed cautious optimism that today's recommendations will eliminate Brazilian beef from the European market.