Brazilian meat exports “update”

Brazil has submitted a trade specific concern to the World Trade Organisation regarding what it believes is the unfair treatment of Brazilian meat exports to the EU. Brazil recently asked the EU to simplify the current system to make it more affordable and flexible for producers. These proposed changes to the Brazilian Cattle Traceability System were denied. Over the year, there have been increasing concerns regarding food safety. To restore public confidence, the American Meat Insitute has released information regarding the role of microbiological testing in ground beef. A recent discovery by Agriculture Research Service scientists may lead to a vaccine which will reduce the spread of Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria in animals. Farmers in the UK should be aware of changes to TB testing areas, which become effective from 1 January 2010. 2009 has been a miserable year for Australian cattle producers, with drought, a falling dollar and poor cattle prices – the industry is now hoping things pick up in 2010. With climate change increasingly topical, the UK has announced a new green funding deal to help farmers invest in energy-saving equipment, while the US is increasing funding for climate change research. The next newsletter will be sent out 6 January 2010. Until then, I hope you all have a very merry Christmas, with best wishes for 2010.