We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.NFU 2010: UK could ban egg imports
DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has revealed that the Government could ban egg imports from member states that refuse to outlaw ‘barren’ laying cages by 2012.
Mr Benn told the NFU conference he intends to ‘keep pressing to ensure that all member states stick to the January 2012 date for banning barren cages for hens’.
It has not been permissible under EU law to install new ‘barren’ cages since 2003 and from January 1, 2012, all cages used to house laying must be ‘enriched’ with more space and additions such as scratching areas and a perch.
But there are concerns that some member states are still looking to resist the change or at least push back the start date, in response to pressure from the egg industry.
Mr Benn insisted: “We are not backing down on this, but if others do then British egg producers must not be put at a disadvantage for leading the way. If necessary, eggs from cages that don’t meet that date should not be allowed into the UK.”
Mr Benn used his speech to defend his role in supporting UK farmers in negotiations on EU agriculture.
“As a nation we need to be a strong voice in Europe, arguing our point of view and influencing decisions. At the centre not isolated at the fringes,” he said.
He pointed out how he refused to sign the Soil Framework Directive as it ‘isn’t right for the UK’.
He said he managed to win some ‘important changes’ to the EID sheep regulations by ‘lobbying other member states’ and urging the EU Council of Ministers to ‘think again’.
He promised to continue to press the Commission to re-think the Regulation, which he admitted ‘does UK farmers no favours and the costs to you far outweigh the benefits’.
On pesticides, he said although Defra lobbying did not stop the regulation, ‘we did stop the unjustified removal of some useful products and prevented arbitrary reduction targets’.
