Rally targets threat to live exports

Marts: The threat to live exports which remain critical to the livestock industry will come under the spotlight at a major rally of farmers to be held at Ennis, Co Clare on Monday week March 8.

In 2003 live exports of cattle from Ireland increased by 68% as the recovery in demand following the FMD/BSE continued, but the total live exports for the year at 217,755 head remained down on the pre BSE/FMD level. Live exports of calves increase two-and-a half fold to 63,000 and weanlings were 61% higher at 78,000 head.

The live export trade remains critical for the industry because of the high dependence on exports live or dead for 90% of production in the livestock sector. Restrictions proposed by the EU Commission under a new regime for live exports pose a threat to the future of the trade.