BBC Brussels correspondent Emma Udwin: Approval would be a crucial first step

British beef producers have been unable to sell their beef abroad because of the risk of BSE since 1996.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler is reported to favour clearance for export for animals born after August 1996, when a ban on feeding meat and bonemeal to livestock first came into effect.

The proposal will then go before agriculture ministers meeting in Luxembourg on June 22.

The ban was lifted in Northern Ireland two weeks ago.

Dr Jack Cunningham: pressing for early decision

But Commission officials have warned that with feelings still running high in some capitals, a resumption of trade could still be some months away.

BBC Brussels correspondent Emma Udwin said: "Franz Fischler is understood to be optimistic of getting a draft approved by his fellow commissioners.

"But even if he is successful, the scheme will be minutely examined by veterinary representatives from EU member states and will probably need to be approved too by Europe's agriculture ministers.

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"Despite the wish of the British Government to see a concrete decision by the end of the UK presidency at the end of June, it's more likely that this process will take months."

Agriculture Minister Jack Cunningham will be using his influence in the EU presidency to press for an early decision.

Struggling to win back markets

But even if a formal proposal is on the table on June 22, the green light to Britain's export trade will depend on the readiness of BSE-sensitive countries like Germany to see UK beef back in the continental market place.

Officials fear the verdict of some EU governments may be skewed by political and economic concerns.

Mr Cunningham will now be urging his EU partners to accept that Britain has done as much as possible to curb the spread of BSE.

The National Farmers Union has welcomed the prospect of action to lift the ban.

Spokesman Ian Gardiner told the BBC: "We didn't think the ban was justified in the first place. But let's not look to the past, let's look to the future. We've got a chance to make progress now."

The UK beef industry will face an uphill struggle regaining consumer confidence even with scientific backing for resuming trade.

Northern Ireland's beef exports are still struggling to win back markets.