MEPs approve plan to resolve 'beef trade war'

MEPs HAVE overwhelmingly approved proposals that will resolve the 24-year “beef trade war” between the EU, the United States and Canada.

Parliamentarians voted by 650 to 10 to approve measures that would allow the US and Canada to up their imports of hormone-free beef into the EU by 28,200 to 48,200 tonnes.

The US and Canada has already lifted retaliatory sanctions on EU products, which were imposed in 1997 and included products such as Roquefort cheese, chocolates, juices, jams and fresh truffles. The deal is worth an estimated €16 million to Irish farmers. The US has also published a draft Bill allowing for the importation of beef from the EU starting with three countries, one of which is Ireland.

EU agricultural committee rapporteur Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl said the parliament decision has ended the long trade dispute. “This is a win-win resolution for the EU. Parliament has taken a step that will enable the EU agricultural industry to plan ahead again and that will strengthen transatlantic links.”