Finnie presses for meat exports

The beef and lamb ban remains in place

Scotland's rural development minister, Ross Finnie says he shares the anger felt by farmers over the lack of progress in resuming the export of meat to Europe.

It follows the decision by the European Commission to partially lift a ban on the export of pig meat from the UK.

Mr Finnie says he is determined maintain pressure on the Commission, when he meets officials on Friday, over Scotland's case for the export market to be reopened.

Regions which have not had a case of the disease, and which do not neighbour high risk areas will be able to export pork and bacon from 22 October.

Ross Finnie: Shares farmers' anger

The decision was made on Wednesday by the European Union's Standing Veterinary Committee.

Scottish National Farmers' Union President Jim Walker said the devolved settlement as far as exports were concerned had "failed Scotland".

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, Mr Finnie said he would impress on the Commission the need for urgent action to help Scotland's export industry.

Mr Finnie said: "The proposition that we had played a very big part in before the Commission was for pig meat and sheep meat.

"I am still angry because Scotland has been disease free since 31 May

Ross Finnie

"It was the standing veterinary committee that regrettably rejected the case for sheep meat and I share Mr Walker's despair and sense of anger that they came to that decision.

"I think there is a huge distrust about the nature of the disease. But I do think we should put this into some perspective.

"The one good element to come out of this is they now have a principle whereby you can export from various areas.

"I am still angry because Scotland has been disease free since 31 May. The only reason why I am meeting the Commission on Friday is to press this case.

Jim Walker: Unhappy with Scotland's plight

"I have a letter from the Commission acknowledging the Scottish case as we have put it to them and what I'm wanting to press is that we must get a time frame for sheep meat to be included.

"I do not accept the exclusion of Dumfries and Galloway. We are making progress but this is not good enough for a sheep industry that has been to hell and back."

Mr Walker said: "Obviously we are pleased that pig producers are getting the chance to export again but absolutely distraught for the sheep industry in Scotland.

"First of all we cleaned up the disease months ago, which was supposed to be one of the pre-requisites before Europe moved.

"Secondly we have completed all the cleansing and disinfectant in the whole of Scotland.

"And thirdly we have completed a whole series if blood tests to prove that we no longer have the disease.

"But even with that we have not had one mention of Scotland, or that it has a separate case to give the sheep industry any hope that it has a future at all.

"The devolved settlement as far as exports are concerned has completely failed this country."