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NI firms facing export problems NI firms facing export problems
(about 1 hour later)
Northern Ireland firms have reported difficulties in shipping meat and dairy products to some countries, despite being exempt from a ban on UK produce.Northern Ireland firms have reported difficulties in shipping meat and dairy products to some countries, despite being exempt from a ban on UK produce.
There is an EU ban on exporting Britsh meat and dairy products due to a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey.There is an EU ban on exporting Britsh meat and dairy products due to a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey.
Despite NI's exemption, a shipment of pork from County Tyrone has been stopped from entering Japan.Despite NI's exemption, a shipment of pork from County Tyrone has been stopped from entering Japan.
And a local dairy company has claimed Germany is refusing to take its produce.And a local dairy company has claimed Germany is refusing to take its produce.
Dale Farm has said orders are now at risk after what it claimed is Germany's decision to ban all UK milk products.Dale Farm has said orders are now at risk after what it claimed is Germany's decision to ban all UK milk products.
Difficulties are also being encountered in shipping dairy products to South American marketsDifficulties are also being encountered in shipping dairy products to South American markets
The pork stopped in Japan was sent from Grampian Foods in Cookstown.The pork stopped in Japan was sent from Grampian Foods in Cookstown.
Hugh McReynolds, the firm's managing director, said it was not good news for Northern Ireland's pig farmers.Hugh McReynolds, the firm's managing director, said it was not good news for Northern Ireland's pig farmers.
NI meat exports are exempt from the UK banNI meat exports are exempt from the UK ban
"It is worrying because we are coming from a backdrop where grain prices are rising steadily and pig farmers are in a very difficult situation," he said."It is worrying because we are coming from a backdrop where grain prices are rising steadily and pig farmers are in a very difficult situation," he said.
First Minister Ian Paisley will speak with the Japanese ambassador to the UK by telephone later to reassure him that Northern Ireland has not been affected by foot-and-mouth.
"Both countries have benefited by this trade and why should we let this thing destroy a trade that doesn't need to be destroyed," Mr Paisley said.
"There is no risk in this at the moment, because we do not have any foot-and-mouth disease and I believe we can keep it out of Northern Ireland."
Grampian said it was also experiencing difficulties in shipping its products to the US and Germany.Grampian said it was also experiencing difficulties in shipping its products to the US and Germany.
ExportsExports
On Monday, Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew's confirmed that Northern Ireland is to be allowed to continue to export meat and dairy products.On Monday, Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew's confirmed that Northern Ireland is to be allowed to continue to export meat and dairy products.
The government has imposed a ban on the movement of livestock in England, Scotland and Wales.The government has imposed a ban on the movement of livestock in England, Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland has imposed a ban on all cattle, sheep and pigs from Britain, but there are currently no restrictions on the movement of livestock within NI and across the border.Northern Ireland has imposed a ban on all cattle, sheep and pigs from Britain, but there are currently no restrictions on the movement of livestock within NI and across the border.
A temporary ban has also been placed on the import of fresh meat and unpasteurised milk from the rest of the UK.A temporary ban has also been placed on the import of fresh meat and unpasteurised milk from the rest of the UK.
Disinfected mats have also been installed at airports and seaports through which all passengers and vehicles entering the province must travel.Disinfected mats have also been installed at airports and seaports through which all passengers and vehicles entering the province must travel.