UFU presses UK Government to act on Brazilian meat imports

Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Stephen Morgan, pictured with Kellie McEvoy discussing beef imports.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is increasing pressure on the UK Government to introduce restrictions on Brazilian beef, poultry and other animal products following the European Union’s decision to tighten its import requirements.

The European Commission has announced that Brazil will be removed from the list of countries permitted to export certain beef products to the EU from September because of concerns about compliance with antimicrobial controls and livestock traceability requirements.

The UFU has written to all Northern Ireland MPs on the issue, with a number agreeing to raise the matter at Westminster. The union has also raised its concerns directly, both in writing and in discussions, with DEFRA Minister Stephen Morgan.

UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the UK Government must provide clarity on how it intends to respond and ensure that products which do not meet UK production standards are not redirected into the UK market.

“The UFU has been actively raising this issue with MPs and directly with the UK Government. We need assurances that the UK will not become a destination for products that can no longer access the European market because of concerns over traceability, antimicrobial controls or production methods.

“The prospect of beef or poultry produced using growth-promoting hormones entering the Northern Ireland and wider UK supply chain is extremely concerning. These hormones are banned in the UK, and our farmers operate under strict rules designed to protect animal welfare, food safety and consumer confidence.

“It would be completely unacceptable for local farmers to be required to meet these high standards while being undercut by imported products produced to standards that would not be permitted here.”

The UFU has also been in contact with farming union colleagues across the UK and the Irish Farmers’ Association regarding the potential implications for farmers and the food supply chain.

Mr Lynch said any redirection of Brazilian exports away from the EU could have serious consequences for an already volatile market.

“Brazil is a major global exporter, and even a relatively small increase in the volume of beef or poultry entering the UK could place further downward pressure on farmgate prices.

“Beef producers are already dealing with significant market uncertainty, while processors have also voiced concerns about the potential disruption additional imports could cause throughout the supply chain.

“The clock is ticking. The UK Government must act before trade is redirected, rather than waiting until damage has already been done to our domestic farming industry. We are continuing to work with farming unions across these islands and will keep pressing the UK Government to ensure that our farmers, consumers and food standards are properly protected.”