Shropshire Star

Russia visit for Owen Paterson in bid to end 16-year ban on British meat

A 16-year ban on British lamb and beef exports to Russia following the BSE scare could soon be lifted, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said today.

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The North Shropshire MP is flying out to Russia next week and will be holding talks with delegates.

Mr Paterson said the deal could be worth as much as £100 million to British farmers over three years.

British farmers had been prevented from exporting to the Soviet Union, and later Russia, following the first BSE outbreak in 1996 in the UK.

The ban was lifted across the EU in 2006 but has remained in place in Russia.

Mr Paterson said that he would be taking the largest ever British delegation to Russia to look at lifting the ban.

He said: "We are hoping to finalise the details that will enable us to open up completely to British lamb, beef and offal.

"They are technical negotiations but it could lead to £100 million worth of exports over the next three years. It shows the value of this type of trip.

"We will be taking the largest ever delegation from Britain to the World Trade Food Fair in Russia to really push the quality of our exports.

"The standard of living is increasing in Russia and the country is becoming really interested in quality food and quality drinks," he added.

The announcement of the lifting of the ban came during a visit to the Russian capital by the UK's chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens.

Mr Paterson said the delegation respected Russia's regulations but after working closely with the Russian authority he was hopeful of reaching a new agreement for the benefit of beef and lamb producers in Britain.

He said: "We have been working in a very straight forward manner.

"They have increased food and drink since opening up and the country has grown 220 per cent since the 1960s.

"This is a real opportunity for the British food and drink industry to promote its food and offal.

"We have a very good embassy there, which has been very helpful."

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