NFU Scotland has welcomed the return of over thirty month (OTM) beef to the food chain from today (7 November). After a ban lasting nearly a decade, a new BSE testing regime is being implemented from today which will allow older cattle to enter the food chain following a successful test.

However, whilst emphasising that today marks a hugely significant step on the road to normality for the Scottish beef industry, the Union is reminding its members that it will be a slow start until the OTM market is re-established. There are currently only three abattoirs licensed to process OTM cattle, following a rigorous trial of the BSE testing system in their plants. The three abattoirs are Highland Meats in Saltcoats, AK Stoddart in Ayr and Scottish Borders in Galashiels. It is hoped that a fourth plant, Orkney Meats in Kirkwall, should be in a position to begin processing OTM cattle this week.

The Over Thirty Month Scheme, introduced in April 1996 as a slaughter and compensation scheme for older cattle, will remain open for the time being. NFUS believes this should remain the case until the European Commission lifts the beef export ban.

NFUS Vice President David Mitchell said:

"This is a hugely significant day for Scotland's beef industry. For years now we have been working towards the return of these cattle to the food chain. We've enshrined world class standards of production recognised by our own scientific advisers and those on the Continent.

"We must remember though, that it will be a slow start to the OTM trade. A very small number of plants are currently licensed. There are many more going through that process but it is likely they won't be willing to start processing OTM animals until the exports market on the Continent is re-opened or until the busy Christmas trading period has passed. We continue to emphasise to Ministers that it is extremely important for market stability that the OTMS remains in place until the export restrictions are removed.

"The whole industry is waiting for the green light on exports. Work continues on that front and discussions have continued to progress positively. We are hopeful that we can get Scottish beef back on EU dinner tables as soon as possible in 2006. However, as long as there are political hurdles to be overcome, the industry will have to treat the planned timetable with caution."

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