Calf Exports Opportunity Undermined
EU - Dealers are undermining a farmer-controlled export opportunity and hitting calf exporting co-operative Anglo European Farmers This could lead to a control of trade – totally and not just for calves, but sheep and cattle as well – at the expense of UK agriculture, says David Owen, AEF chief executive.
20 April 2007
2 minute read
But as a result of letters and commentary in the farming press, I feel the record now needs to be set straight. Agrishipping’s business associates make points that are totally incorrect.
AEF was set up to provide a sustainable link between UK and mainland Europe for UK livestock by re-establishing historical trade links that would enable British agriculture to do what it does best – produce unlimited numbers of first-class stock and increase the value of dairy bull calves.
AEF succeeded in opening the route to Europe, eliminating the horrific tasks of shooting calves at birth, streamlining the export procedure and appeasing the welfare organisations, even inviting them to inspect vehicles at the port.
As a result, AEF members have had in the region of £2.5 million in return for their £3 per cow initial investment and British agriculture has benefited by around £6 million in extra revenue from exports.
It is unfortunate, however, that the industry has been incapable of working together for the benefit of British agriculture. Indeed, other exporters decided to start exporting some six weeks after AEF had been shipping calves. They were not refused access to the boat, merely asked to support the initial investors.
The main concern of shareholders was that all farmers should join and we endeavoured to hold this line – but unfortunately other traders saw this as an opportunity to use membership as a marketing ploy.
