Speaking after receiving confirmation of the decision from the Chief Veterinary Officer at the US Department of Agriculture yesterday evening, the Minister said: “I am absolutely delighted at the speed of the US decision to remove the restriction with trade from the north of Ireland, particularly as this was one of the specific trading difficulties which was raised with us in our recent discussions with the meat and dairy industry.
“I am confident that this decision is a direct result of our decisive action on 3 August, when we immediately prohibited the importation of all FMD susceptible livestock from Britain. This is a positive result for local industry.”
Ms Gildernew said: “ We will continue to work on behalf of local industry to try to remove any further export difficulties. In our meetings with industry stakeholders they have said that there are now relatively few problems in the EU and the recently introduced certification is working well.
“ I am grateful for the ongoing support of the First and Deputy First Minister in helping to overcome international trading difficulties and also for the role my own officials have played in getting the relevant information to the US vets so quickly.”
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