A calf destruction scheme similar to one introduced in the UK during the 1996 BSE crisis - called "the Herod Scheme" by animal welfare groups - may be introduced in Ireland. EU officials in Brussels confirmed yesterday that this may be one of the proposals brought forward later this month by EU Agriculture Commissioner Mr Franz Fischler to cope with the growing EU beef crisis. Other proposals include a premium for farmers who do not allow their suckler (beef producing) cows become pregnant for the next two years, which would reduce the levels of beef production in Europe.
The Commissioner is also looking at further reductions in the stocking density levels for the special premiums for production of beef, bull and suckler cows and a temporary suspension of suckler cow premium rights. Beef producers are allowed a quota of suckler cows and are paid premiums on those animals only. They do not receive premiums for animals they own which exceed their quota.
In yesterday's Irish Farmers' Journal, IFA president Mr Tom Parlon said it was vital the suckler cow base be protected and warned that tampering with premium payments was a "no go" area. However, he said the most effective method of production control was what he termed "calf processing" - a calf slaughter scheme.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association, Mr Pat O'Rourke, called for emergency legislation to deal with the bottleneck developing in the disposal of specified risk material from slaughtered animals.
Around 1,600 jobs are at risk in the haulage industry because of the BSE crisis, according to the Irish Road Hauliers' Association, writes Padraig Yeates. Its president, Mr Gerry McMahon, has sought an urgent meeting with the Department of Public Enterprise to seek aid for members following what he describes as "the collapse" of beef exports to mainland Europe.
The IRHA met Department of Agriculture officials yesterday to discuss the situation. Mr McMahon said there were 600 companies in the refrigerated meat sector, employing around 1,600 people. Already some companies had to let people go.
