SNP President, Ian Hudghton MEP, has expressed his delight that a committee of EU vets has resolved to lift the EU export ban on livestock, meat and dairy products, imposed after the recent foot and mouth outbreak.  The ban being lifted as of Saturday will come as welcome relief for Scotland’s vital farming and agricultural sector. 

Speaking of the news, Mr Hudghton said:

“It is excellent news that the EU export ban will be lifted on Saturday.  I have been liaising with my colleagues in the Scottish Government on this issue as it is vital that our rural industries are allowed to get back on their feet with minimum delay.

“The EU committee’s decision comes as welcome relief and a positive signal that the Secretary for Rural Affairs has been taking effective measures to ensure that Scottish industry does not suffer in the wake of an isolated foot and mouth outbreak.

“The Scottish livestock industry is renowned worldwide for the quality of the food which is produced and I am positive that there will be every effort made, at a domestic and European level, to guarantee Scots producers are supported and their trade does not suffer unnecessarily."