December 18, 2010

Brazil seeks amendment on EU Hilton quota

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association has canvassed approaching the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to modify the current specifications for Brazilian beef and its 10,000 tonne 'Hilton' High Quality Beef quota for the EU market.

The EU currently requires product under this quota sourced from steers or heifers exclusively fed with pasture grass since weaning. According to the Brazilian industry, this largely limits the availability of eligible carcasses, as most cattle are supplementary fed during the winter.

In addition, Brazilian producers and the EU previously reached an agreement in which animals have to be electronically identified from weaning or 11 months of age. This differs from the standard EU requirement in which animals need to be identified only 90 days prior to slaughter.

As a result, Brazil has only been able to export limited amounts of beef under the quota, with only 70 tonnes swt shipped during the first four months of the 2010-11 quota period.