PRESS RELEASE

10 December 2008

AGR 03/08/09

COMMITTEE WELCOMES THE ALL CLEAR FOR LOCAL PORK

The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed confirmation that pigs born and reared in Northern Ireland had not received any contaminated feed .

Committee Members received the news following a welcomed the statement from the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MP, on Tuesday. Speaking F following the statement , the Chairperson of the Committee, Dr William McCrea said declared, “I am absolutely delighted to hear this, a sentiment that is undoubtedly being shared by pig producers, by processors and by consumers.

“ Northern Ireland pork has enjoyed a deserved reputation as being produced to very high standards and it its acclaimed is wonderful that this fine reputation is today maintained. We have strict animal health controls in place in Northern Ireland to ensure that these high levels of quality produce continue to be available to the Northern Ireland consumer consumers.

“However, whilst the Ministers for Agriculture and Health responded to the crisis that we were facing, I would ask that they provide immediate clarity to consumers, producers and processors and that we move to get Northern Ireland pork produce back onto our s helves in what will always be a critical time of the year for farm businesses ”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Chairperson was speaking following a meeting held in the Room 152 in Parliament Buildings.

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