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The planned export of a boat of cattle to Algeria next Friday is being put at risk by outstanding operational issues that remain between the Department of Agriculture and the exporters, warned IFA president Tim Cullinan on Sunday, following discussions with the exporter.
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the main issue concerns when the cattle to be exported must be treated for internal and external parasites.
The exporter plans to use a pour-on product when cattle are being weighed next Friday morning, ahead of loading on the boat. This was the procedure used for the first boat sent to Algeria last month.
Withdrawal period
However, the Department of Agriculture has requested that for this load, and subsequent loads, the cattle be treated before loading.
The medicinal withdrawal period would then have expired before the cattle arrive in Algeria. The matter was discussed when the exporter and local IFA members met Department officials on Saturday in Wexford.
However, this approach would require the cattle to have been treated with the selected treatment by Sunday 10 May, which did not happen. The Irish Farmers Journal understands that fewer than half of the cattle booked on to the boat received the product before this deadline. The boat cannot sail half-full and delivery cannot be delayed further.
Health certificate
A preventative treatment against internal and external parasites is required in the health certificate agreed between the Department of Agriculture and the Algerian authorities.
The requirement that any withdrawal period be compete when animals arrive at the destination is included in supporting documentation to the health certificate.
Tim Cullinan said he held a conference call with the live exporter Roundwood Park on Friday evening, along with IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden.
“I contacted the Minister on Friday night and a meeting took place with the Department in Wexford on Saturday to try and resolve various operational issues. While progress was made, I am still concerned that there are outstanding issues. These must be resolved,” he said.
“A spokesman for the Minister has told the media that all matters are resolved, but I am concerned that this is not the case,” he said.
“The live export trade provides vital competition to factories in the market for cattle. The current international live trade to Algeria, Libya and Turkey has definitely helped to stabilise prices. This trade cannot be put at risk due to operational issues.”
During its discussions with the exporter, Cullinan also stressed that all farmers must be paid on the day for any cattle purchased for export.
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