Don't sell us short Mr Mandelson, that was the unanimous call from delegates from all over Europe who attended the recent Annual General Meeting and conference in Ciney, Belgium 1 to 3 June. They were convinced that the Livestock Industry was being sacrificed in favour of the manufacturing Industry, in particular to benefit Airbus, during negotiations with the World Trade Organisation. They felt that Mr Mandelson was exceeding his mandate and that the Livestock Sector was going to suffer more export restrictions and challenges as he pushed for less embargoes on items such as the Airbus.

Mrs Sabine Laruelle the Belgian Federal Minister of Agriculture defended the talks saying that Mr Mandelson would not be allowed to exceed the guidelines set out by the European Commission at the commencement of the talks with the WTO. Delegates were told that the aim of these talks was to ensure that Europe was the benefactor of the talks in all sectors of trade. A response that did not particularly sit well with delegates who were for the most part unconvinced by her defense of Mr Mandelson.

This was just one aspect of the conference. Delegates were able to discuss other topics such as Animal Welfare, the effects of world beef production on European Markets and the burning issues of what to do with effluent and water conservation at markets.

One other major topic of concern with the United Kingdom delegates was that they were, once again, being subject to DEFRA 'gold plating' the regulations regarding the movement and export of animals which have been interpreted in other member states more fluidly. The Northern Ireland delegation were awaiting clarification on certain issues which they feel together with other UK delegates were part of a hidden agenda by the UK Government to eventually stop live exports altogether.

Day two of the visit led to trips to the Market at Ciney which was an incredible site to behold. Three thousand beef cattle under one roof. A site of the wagon wash with automatic hose points to ensure less water wastage (all wagons have to wash and disinfect on site once they have off-loaded and before re-loading livestock unlike the UK). This was followed by a visit to the Centre where animals are given passports and eartags which must be shown every time the animal is moved ,until it is slaughtered.

The next visit was to the AWE insemination centre followed by a visit to a beef rearing unit of Belgian Blue cattle. Lastly the delegates were shown round an Ostrich Farm, a major step in such a predominantly beef area.

All these visits were interspersed with generous hospitality by our Belgian hosts.


Dennis Wardle
Livestock Advisor