The European Commission’s decision to amend regulations governing the export of cheese from the EU has been warmly welcomed by Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen, T.D.

The North Clare Deputy said the changes would greatly benefit Clare cheese producers who export their products to countries outside the European Community.

He explained: “Prior to the amendment, a minimum ‘free-at-frontier’ cheese threshold price was set at EUR2,300 and product valued below the threshold was not eligible for an export refund.  In the current market situation where cheese prices have reduced considerably the price threshold was no longer relevant nor justified. The decision to remove the free-at-frontier price allows the activation of export refunds when cheese products are exported outside the European Community.”

Minister of State Killeen noted that his colleague and Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith has been pressing the Commissioner to review the price threshold since the early part of the year in bi-lateral contacts and at meetings of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers.

“This move by the EU Commission has the potential to assist increased volumes of exports of Irish cheese onto world markets and to stimulate fresh demand”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

-ENDS-

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