Farmers to export from Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is set to resume agriculture exports to Europe after confirmation that a cull of sheep in South Armagh will now go ahead.

Northern Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers said she has been able to meet farmers' concerns over compensation and the slaughter and disposal of animals.

The European Commission has agreed to grant regional status for the province on condition that the cull of 2,500 sheep around the infected farm in Meigh, Co Armagh is completed.

Farmers in the area had been demanding compensation above the market price for the animals but the minister said they have now agreed to accept full market value for every animal culled.

"I am very pleased with the outcome. I think the farmers are pleased with the outcome. They had some anxieties, they have been resolved. The cull will go ahead and I think it's in the interests of the whole community," she said.