Meat exports to EU resumed

After months of restrictions from foot and mouth - there's some good news at last for farmers.

Meat exports from most parts of Britain to other European Union member states have resumed. Brussels agreed on October 3 to allow meat and meat products to be exported from certain areas of England, Scotland and Wales.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said:

"Whilst I am aware of the difficulties that remain for some farmers, this is good news for the majority of farmers in Great Britain and reflects the extensive surveillance and epidemiological work that is ongoing.

"I hope that as exports resume this will ease the very real pressures farmers have been facing and we will continue to do all we can to enable exports to resume from the remaining parts of Britain as soon as possible."

But the impact of the restrictions have already taken their toll. Prices have crashed and many sheep farmers are struggling to cope financially.

And as our North of England correspondent reports, this year will be a write-off for many in the industry.

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