Irish Farmers Attack Brazilian Minister over Admission of Irregularities
IRELAND - Irish beef farmers have condemned statements from the Brazilian agriculture minister that there had been serious irregularities in Brazilian beef exports to the EU.
15 February 2008
1 minute read
Irish Farmers' Association President Padraig Walshe said the admittance by Reinhold Stephanes was shocking.
The Irish farmers' leader said that confirmation of this position was extracted from Minister Stephanes under cross-examination in the Brazilian parliament this week.
He said that during the session Minister Stephanes admitted that Brazil does not have a proper list of farms for exports to Europe.
He said the parliament was told that exports to Europe were suspended because Brazil insisted on working from 2,681 farms instead of the agreed 300 farms.
The Minister confirmed that the situation is critical. The Rural Leader of the Senate Katia Abreu said that Minister Stephanes "has shot himself in the foot" as the situation was most grave.
Mr Walshe said that these latest developments seriously damage any attempts by the Brazilians to re-establish trade with Europe.
"The facts are Brazil fails to meet EU standards and the current ban must be maintained by the EU Commission," said Mr Walshe.
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