November 17, 2006

Romanian requests EU to allow pork exports

Romanian pork processors have requested that the government appeal to the European Commission to allow exports of pork from non-swine fever infected areas.

Romania was banned from exporting live pigs and pork due to outbreaks of swine fever in 2003.

The units processing pork imported from locations without swine fever should be allowed to be exported into the EU,said Mihai Visan, director of the Romanian Meat Association.

Visan added that if the ban remains, Romania's industry would face tremendous pressure when the country joins the EU.

The EU Commission recently announced a EUR 9.7 million aid package for Romania to monitor, control and eradicate pig diseases next year.