Copa and Cogeca have claimed a trade deal with the US could provide expanding opportunities for agricultural trade, but this depends on key conditions being met.
Copa Vice-President and livestock farmer Harry Sinclair warned: "Since the start of the talks, we have underlined specific demands which need to be met if these talks are to be a success. This includes removing red tape and technical barriers to trade and making progress on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) chapter. Excessive controls which raise costs for operators and inspections must be avoided. Today, hard cheeses, semi-soft cheeses and soft ripened cheeses have to wait 60 days before circulating on the US market. The main issue here appears to be the testing methods which are not the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Can we use the best technology together?"
Mr Sinclair went on: "Also there is the issue of the veterinary agreement and the principle of recognising the EU as a single entity. We recognise the US as a single entity. Yet I cannot understand the reason why my neighbour 50km away has access to the US market and I do not. Despite a parallel system of safety and control on food, the US administration is not yet recognising the EU as a single entity. Despite the political decision last year, my beef produce is still not allowed to enter the US market."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 225 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 280.1p and an average of 235.4p (-1.2p on the week), while 294 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 284.7p and levelled at 240.3p (-4p). Seventy-two store, B&W bullocks sold to 195p and averaged 183.4p (+1.2p).
In the rough ring 98 cows averaged 116.5p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 751 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £75 per head and 171.8p per kg to average 151p (-9.1p).
The firm also had 244 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £93.50 for Texel crosses and Suffolks, while Blackfaces peaked at £53.50.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 21 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 240p and averaged 214.1p, while bullocks peaked at 213.5p and levelled at 197.6p.
There were 102 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 134.1p and dairy cows levelled at 98.1p.
The firm also sold 720 prime lambs to a top of £72 and 166p to average 153.4p (-14.8p).
The 651 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £110.50 for Texels and average £76.35 (+87p), while light ewes peaked at £68.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £40.78 (-£11.52).
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