This article is from page 38 of the 2007-12-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 38 JPG
ICSA President, Malcolm Thomp- son, has attacked the Brazilian offer to voluntarily restrict exports of beef to Europe as “contemptuous” while reiterating his demand for a full ban on Brazilian beef exports to the EU.
“News on the latest FVO visit shows serious deficiencies still exist and nothing but a full ban on Bra- Zilian beef imports to the EU will be acceptable. Given that EU FVO inspectors have just returned from a further inspection in Brazil, one can only assume that Brazil’s offer of concessions is a dead giveaway that
things are as bad as ever.”
“Brazil is trying to play a shrewd political game with the EU but Irish farmers will not fall for their trick- ery. Since there are grave concerns surrounding Brazilian beef, half measures are not good enough.
“We know that Brazilian beef has traceability problems, and there are formidable clouds of suspicion re- garding hormone use banned in the EU for the last 15 years, so it makes no sense at all to let any Brazilian beef in. This is purely a food secu- rity matter, and the EU must ensure that Brazilian beef is banned imme- diately. It’s a bit like having a prison,
and instead of leaving the front door wide open, you just leave it slightly ajar. You are still assuming the same risk that the prisoners will escape.
“It 1s also highly suspicious that this concession comes just days be- fore the EU ombudsman is due to deliver his opinion on Brazilian beef imports, on the back of a complaint by ICSA and other members of FFE (Fairness for Farmers in Europe),” Thompson continued.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Thompson, and several current ICSA position holders were re-elected unopposed at the organisations AGM last night.
The highlight of the night was a
hotly contested election for the na- tional executive’s nominee to the management committee.
The packed house was treated to lively presentations by the two can- didates, Brendan McLaughlin, the Donegal county chairman, and cur- rent position holder, who was pitch- ing against Gabriel Gilmartin, the Sligo county chairman.
In the end, the Sligo man prevailed by a modest majority, having also been elected unopposed to the na- tional rural development chair. The previous incumbent, Leitrim’s John Flynn, vacated his RD seat to assume the role of honourary secretary.