Kate Lord-Brennan MHK is set to press the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture for further details on the implications of the UK’s recent change in BSE status.
When Tynwald sits on Tuesday (February 17), Ms Lord-Brennan will be asking what assessment has been made of the impact on the Isle of Man’s agricultural sector following the shift in the UK’s classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
In particular, she is seeking clarity on the additional cost per animal at UK abattoirs, any stagger costs at the island’s Meat Plant, and the potential effect on the value of breeding stock and store cattle.
Ms Lord-Brennan has also asked how long it is expected to take for the Isle of Man to re-establish parity with the UK in terms of BSE status, and what support measures are being considered for farmers affected by the change.
The question follows on from exchanges in Tynwald on January 20 and comes amid ongoing concern within the farming community about export costs, market confidence and the longer-term competitiveness of Manx beef producers.
