Sir, - I refer to the letter of Mr David Couper regarding lack of public interest in his organically-reared Dexter cattle. May I point out that it is essential for organic cattle farmers to inform the public that both practices blamed for BSE today - the feeding of bonemeal and the use of organophosphorus compounds for parasite control - have never been permitted for organic farmers. So, buying organic beef provides the highest level of safety regarding BSE which one can get today.
Secondly, he might reconsider his decision of keeping Dexter cattle. This breed is so small that consumers might accept them only as a starter, and would not consider them being suitable of forming the centrepiece of a real meal. - Yours, etc.,
Ballybrado Ltd, Organic farming, trading & consulting, Cahir, Co Tipperary.