The European Commission's decision to exempt Northern Ireland from the foot-and-mouth meat export ban was welcomed by senior politicians in the North yesterday.
Minister for Agriculture Michelle Gildernew said there were now grounds for optimism that the fortress-Ireland approach to preventing the disease spreading to the island of Ireland had succeeded.
The Sinn Féin Minister confirmed that the commission had decided that Northern Ireland could continue to export meat and dairy products within Ireland and to Europe.
She also reported that all cattle imported into Northern Ireland from Britain since July 1st, before the outbreak in Surrey, had been traced and found to be free of the disease.
Shortly after the outbreak was discovered the Minister banned the importation of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats from Britain into the North.
She is optimistic that the disease will be restricted to the outbreak in England. "There's still only the one confirmed outbreak so I think it's probably been nipped in the bud," added Ms Gildernew.
"I have already ensured that trade throughout the island of Ireland continues freely. The EU decision now means that farmers here can also trade throughout Europe and this is welcome," she said.
There would be additional bureaucratic impositions relating to the continuing exports, she acknowledged.
"We will have to introduce extra certification and we are in dialogue with our counterparts in Dublin about how we can keep this to the minimum to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and cost," she said.
"I am grateful for the continued support from our counterparts in Britain and the South for recognising our unique position. The decision will be discussed at a meeting of commission officials later this week and we will take the opportunity to press for further easement," added Ms Gildernew.
The EU decision was widely welcomed, which was reflected by the comments of First Minister, the Rev Ian Paisley, who over recent days has lobbied Europe, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British prime minister Gordon Brown for support to ensure special status for Northern Ireland, notwithstanding its position within the UK.
"The fact that Northern Ireland has been exempted from the export ban on products in Great Britain is very welcome news for local farmers and businesses," he said.
"As leader of the largest political party in the province, I was alarmed at the potential threats to one of our most important industries posed by the foot-andmouth disease outbreak. It was essential that Northern Ireland producers did not end up suffering needlessly," added Dr Paisley.
"The swift action of our Executive, by ensuring that the correct precautions were taken, and the subsequent discussions and representations made to Europe have ensured that our agri- food industry is protected as much as possible at this time," he said.
"We must ensure that vigilance is maintained and mistakes are avoided," he cautioned.
The SDLP, Ulster Unionist Party, Alliance and farming bodies also welcomed the commission's exemption.
