Export return 'hugely important'

Agricultural shows and marts will be able to start from Monday

Farmers in southern Scotland have welcomed the European Union's decision to lift the ban on animal exports.

The restrictions were imposed after the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey in July but have been relaxed after a meeting of EU vets.

The move will now pave the way for the resumption of meat exports from Britain to the rest of the Europe.

NFU Scotland's Dumfries and Galloway chairman Robin Spence said it was a very significant move for the industry.

The export ban on livestock, meat and dairy products is to be lifted from Saturday.

This is really what we have been waiting for Robin Spence Chairman of NFU Scotland Dumfries and Galloway

A committee of EU vets decided to give initial approval for the resumption of meat and animal product exports from Britain to EU countries.

In addition, all farm sales, auction markets and agricultural shows in Scotland can resume on Monday.

As of midnight Scotland's livestock keepers will also be free from the foot-and-mouth movement restrictions. Both moves are subject to strict conditions.

Mr Spence said the easing of restrictions was very welcome.

Time required

"This is really what we have been waiting for," he said.

"It is hugely important to Dumfries and Galloway.

"What this also signifies is a relaxation in the movement controls that we have had so we can get back to farm-to-farm trading and auction marts will open."

However, he added that the impact of the controls would not be undone overnight.

"Obviously, it is going to take a bit of time, there's a little bit of a log-jam of stock held up on farms moving to other farms," he said.