Liam Aylward MEP who is a member of the agricultural committee of the European Parliament has welcomed the new proposal by the EU Commissioner for Publiuc health Androulla Vassiliou to raise the age for testing cattle for BSE from 30 months to 48 months.
This new regulation will apply to animals slaughterded for human consumption as well as emergency slaughtered and fallen animals.
Mr Aylward told the Kilkenny Advertiser/ Carlow First on Monday that "this proposal from the EU Commission will play a significant part in reducing the cost for Irish beef farmers. As I have said before, the EU is committeed to the beef sector and realises its vital role in Irish agriculture."
The Leinster MEP fully supports the implementation of this new proposal " as Irish beef farmers will save on current costs to carry out testing. However, the EU must make every effort to ensure that Irish farmers can weather the current economic climate which has caused agriculture costs to rise and sustain a viable income for the future."
