Worries over economic future

There is a question mark over milk markets

Northern Ireland's enterprise minister believes massive long-term damage could be caused to the economy if foot-and-mouth disease is not contained.

Sir Reg Empey was speaking a day after the first case of the virus was confirmed in south Armagh.

Approximately 20,000 people are employed in the food processing sector and its associated activites in the province.

Milk producers say the crisis is already costing them millions of pounds, as milk and other dairy products, which cannot now be exported, are thrown away.

Sir Reg pointed out that 80% of milk produce was exported.

"Milk comes off the farm every day and at the present moment there is a question mark over whether there will be a market for it," he said.

"So endeavours are focused on trying to ensure the product can get off the farm, and can be processed in some way different to that which is currently the case."

Sir Reg Empey: Fears about economic future

A cross-departmental strategy within the Stormont executive is under way to lead the fight against the disease.

Sir Reg added: "If this is not contained there could be huge long-term economic damage done because it's a bit like the BSE thing.

"The meat producers had built up markets in continental supermarkets, they've never got those back. And if we lose the milk markets, for whole powdered milk, it could take years to get back."

He pointed to those involved in the industry, such as the hauliers, manufacturers, packers.

"This is a national emergency," he said.

"Everybody has got to pull together now, because not only the rural community is going to be affected by this but if this goes badly wrong for us, it will spread beyond the countryside and people need to realise that."

Meat exporting is an important part of the agriculture industry in Northern Ireland.

Many farmers rely on their cattle being sold for export as the local market is too small.

Speaking on Friday, Cecil Mathers of the Northern Ireland Exporters Association said: "It has catastrophic potential for the entire livestock industry in Northern Ireland.

"Everyone is very nervous because nobody knows the scale of this problem in Northern Ireland."

Meanwhile, David Harding of the Association of Vets said the province was entirely dependant on exports.

He said he believed that with time and good will the outbreak could be contained.