The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, yesterday expressed concern at the possibility of a trade war between the US and the EU over the importation of hormone-treated beef.
The World Trade Organisation has ruled that Europe must allow hormone-treated beef into the EU by the end of this week or face 100 per cent tariffs on EU goods imported to the US.
Speaking at a conference organised by the United Farmers' Association in Charleville, Co Cork, he said he hoped the matter would be resolved. "The US is a very important market outlet especially for Irish dairy products and we could be very badly hit if a trade war did develop." But, he added, the EU's consumers had spoken out long ago against the use of beef produced with hormone implants and it was a matter of consumer choice. "That is the reality, so I am hoping that some agreement could be reached which might allow access of hormone-treated beef to Europe on the basis that it be labelled.
"The US is a valued and valuable customer for Irish products and a lot of employment and jobs depend on that trade. I am very concerned and hope for a resolution," he said.
Yesterday, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association said the EU must maintain its ban on hormone-treated imports from non-EU countries.
Mr Liam Heverin, chairman of ICMSA's beef and cattle committee, said these imports imposed unfair competition for European beef producers and there might be a health risk from using hormones.
He said the EU must not be bullied by outside forces into removing the ban and consumer protection must receive attention. Tomorrow, the EU Commission will meet to make a decision on US threats of sanction.