We need a fortress Northern Ireland for our farmers and consumers

Ulster Unionist agricultural spokesperson, Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA, Tom Elliott MLA has stated that stark lessons and safeguards must be considered to protect the pig industry and indeed the broader agricultural sector in Northern Ireland and offer consumers complete confidence in food produced in Northern Ireland.

Tom said: "I am very relieved that the FSA have now confirmed that no pigs from Northern Ireland have consumed the toxic dioxin that resulted in supermarkets removing all Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland pork products from their shelves. The main message which should be relayed to the public is that Northern Ireland pork products are safe to eat and not affected. While the protection of public health should be the first and foremost importance, this matter should not be exaggerated to a situation that it is clearly not and destroy an exemplary industry.

"It raises the important question of the "Fortress Ireland" approach that has been suggested by the Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP in the past. This scenario has proven that this approach would not work and indeed could be detrimental to the Northern Ireland agricultural sector. It has been established that this problem arose as a result of pork from the Irish Republic as their pigs were fed contaminated feed.

"What is now required by the Assembly is that a "Fortress Northern Ireland" approach is much more important if we are to safeguard our pig industry and wider agricultural sector. The Minister must adopt a new approach, that her first priority is to protecting Northern Ireland producers and consumers rather than an all Ireland approach. If the EU impose any export bans it should not apply to Northern Ireland, this problem originated in the Irish Republic.

"I am calling on the Minister to immediately impose a ban on all animals and animal products from the Republic of Ireland from entering the Northern Ireland food chain, until such times as the industry in the South can get a clean bill of health. Processors in Northern Ireland should immediately start accepting pigs from farmers and get back to normal trading conditions.

"Northern Ireland has again proved that it has the highest standard of traceability, but I fear it may well take many months to convince consumers to eat Northern Ireland produce if this is not resolved quickly. The industry must put in place appropriate labelling to indicate that the product is sourced and processed in Northern Ireland and is free from any harmful substances. I fear in the short term that consumers may decide to buy produce from Denmark in preference to NI produce and a massive advertising campaign should immediately be launched to promote local produce and restore customer confidence as quickly as possible."