Government’s live export ban ‘bad news’ for the home market
The government’s intention to ban live exports is ‘bad news’ for the home market, the industry has warned amid fears that farmers may see lower prices.
The industry has responded with concern to the announcement of a live export ban which was included in the King’s Speech, on Tuesday (7 November).
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is set to put an end to live export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter or fattening from Great Britain.
“We will become the first European country to end this practice,” Defra explained.
“EU rules prevented any changes to these journeys, but the UK government is now free to pursue plans which would see a ban on the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening.”
However, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) said the ban could cause an oversupply in UK markets, resulting in lower demand and therefore prices farmers receive for their stock.
“Defra previously estimated that such a ban would cost the industry £6.6 million per annum,” said FUW President Ian Rickman.
“Yet this was merely based upon an assumed 15% price differential without taking into account the loss of markets or the likelihood of such costs disproportionately falling on small and micro enterprises.”
Farming UK
Read full article Share on twitter