MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Possible export of beef from Falklands

THE prospect of exporting beef was discussed at the recent meeting of the Falkland Islands Development Board (FIDB).

General Manager Julian Morris said that from the Falkland Islands Meat Company's (FIMCo) point of view the priority is sheep meat, with Europe being the prime target.

The recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth in Brazil and the subsequent ban on export from there could make the export of beef from the Falklands more likely.

Mr Morris explained in answer to a question from a member of the board that the resources required to export beef would include regular, routine disease testing and monitoring, some of which would need to be undertaken externally.

Mike Summers said that the Department of Agriculture (DoA) was advancing with testing for Scrapie - a disease that is not in the Falklands as far as anyone can determine - but that it is difficult to demonstrate being free of a disease.

DoA are in the process of employing another laboratory technician for the department and are working on a regime that will enable the Falklands to demonstrate a disease free status.(PN)