Export Freeze Hits Greek Meat Industry

Greek nutrient exporters person been thrown into turmoil aft a wave of import bans imposed by respective non-EU countries. The restrictions target some caller and frozen meat—excluding poultry—originating from Greece, careless of whether it comes from domestically raised livestock oregon imported animals. The aforesaid measures use to caller and frozen nutrient preparations, further tightening the unit connected the sector.

According to marketplace sources, the countries enforcing these bans see the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Australia, Albania, Serbia, Japan, and China. In some cases, the restrictions spell adjacent further: Albania, for instance, has halted not only meat imports from Greece but besides dairy products, while others, such arsenic Australia, are reportedly creating further hurdles for Greek dairy exports. Industry bodies are attempting to code these barriers done negotiations successful Brussels.

The sudden clampdown follows the detection of foot-and-mouth illness connected the land of Lesbos last week. Despite the swift imposition of quarantine measures connected the island, the repercussions person been severe. Cheesemaking businesses successful peculiar are facing important losses, arsenic they are unable to transport already-produced goods to the mainland market.

As a effect of the outbreak, Greece has mislaid its disease-free status with the World Health Organization, prompting importing countries to activate protective measures. The timing could hardly beryllium worse: with Easter approaching—a highest play for nutrient depletion and exports—Greek producers are confronting mounting uncertainty.

Adding to the vexation within the manufacture are accusations of authorities inaction. Sources assertion that the Ministry of Rural Development has been slow to respond, leaving galore businesses without wide guidance. Exporters tied to binding contracts with strict clauses present look hard decisions, arsenic slaughterhouses and producers struggle to navigate the rapidly evolving restrictions.

Source: tovima.com