September 30, 2014

EU livestock union leaders seek dialogue over Russia's meat ban

Trade union representatives from Europe's livestock and meat industries have called for a dialogue between Russia and the EU to "restore confidence" between the two sides that hopefully could lead to the lifting of Moscow's ban on EU meat products.

Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on September 26, the European Livestock and Meat Trades Union (UECBV) said the ban had deep impact on Europe's meat industries as Russia used to absorb 25% of EU's beef and pork imports.

Moscow imposed the ban in August in retaliation for the economic sanctions the US and its EU allies slapped on Russia for its role in the on-going Ukrainian conflict.

They also called for the opening of "alternative markets that are still closed because of technical barriers to trade" to help ease the plight of Europe's meat and livestock workers who are "squeezed by the direct and indirect impacts of the Russian ban."

Also discussed during the meeting were proposed EU policies for the meat industry like origin labelling, animal welfare standards and environmental standards.

The UECBV meets once a year to determine what important goals the European livestock and meat industry have to achieve for the year.

The union represents national federations of livestock traders, meat industry, and meat traders. Through its 51 national member federations, UECBV is the voice for 20,000 commercial and industrial companies.