truce has been called by the uk and the European Union ( eu) in the three month-old battle over beef. The agreement was reached last month at the eu summit in Florence, Italy. The agreement consists of a package of measures that aims at a long term eradication of bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( bse ) or 'mad cow disease' from British herds as well as a phased lifting of the ban on British beef exports. The uk has reciprocated by ending its campaign of non- cooperation with Europe. It had decided to obstruct all eu proceedings for as long as the beef crisis remained unresolved and had vetoed over 100 decisions in the previous two weeks of the summit.
Following the agreement, British farmers will have to slaughter 150,000 cattle to eradicate bse . But no time period has been specified under the agreement for the lifting of the ban which means that it could take several years before the ban is fully lifted. In order to offset the loss suffered by British farmers, eu has agreed to pay us $1.05 billion in compensation.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.