"Scotland's farmers and consumers deserve better."

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has given his backing to Scots farmers’ leaders who were in Brussels this week to press the European Commission for a ban on beef imports from countries such as Brazil. This is because of concerns over substandard farming practices in the country which could lead to risks to health.

The SNP MEP first raised this issue in 2006 following representations from farmers at the Turriff Show when reports of unacceptably low standards in farming in Brazil first came to light.

Speaking from Brussels today, Mr Hudghton said:

"The European Commission should move quickly to halt imports of Brazilian beef to Europe. Reports of substandard farming practices point to the potential risks to health unless the situation is rectified.

"I understand from NFU Scotland that the concerns relate to a lack of proper recording procedures for Brazilian cattle and the risk of foot and mouth disease coming to Europe.

"It is not acceptable that Scotland's farmers, with their world renowned reputation for high standards, should have to contend with the risks posed by Brazilian beef imports.

"A ban would be timely and proportionate to the potential risk. It would be unforgivable if animal disease entered the country in this way, because of the European Commission's failure to act.

"Scotland's farmers and consumers deserve better."

Note - Farmers representatives including the President of NFU Scotland met the EU's Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou in Brussels this week to air their concerns about Brazilian beef imports. The SNP supports a halt to beef imports whilst the outstanding issues concerning animal health and farming standards are resolved.