NI beef campaign to get EU funding

Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson today welcomed an agreement by the European Commission to fund a campaign to continue the restoration of consumer confidence in beef consumption.

The decision comes after the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) applied for funding to the EC Joint Management Committee for the Promotion of Agricultural Products under Council Regulation (EC) 2826/2000 and Commission Regulation (EC) 94/2002 to undertake a Beef Information Campaign. This was approved last December.

Mr Pearson said: "I welcome the recent decision, by the European Commission, to approve an application by the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland to fund a programme to provide better information about the quality and nutritional importance of beef.

"In particular, the campaign will aim to assure consumers that every effort is made to ensure the safety and quality of our beef."

The Minister indicated that the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland would spearhead the campaign, following the allocation by the EC of a pump-priming financial package, and added:

The LMC will receive EC funding of 50% £71,800 (101,931 Euros), towards a campaign costing £143,600 (203,862 Euros).

(MB)