A further £225,000.00 could be needed for the Abattoir. A special European Committee of Vets will be meeting in around a fortnight to decide whether to allow the new Abattoir to export meat to Europe. Ten months ago, the European inspector visited the Islands. As well as the Abattoir, he looked at the privately owned freezer at FIPASS, the Government Pathology Lab and food safety. He was also investigating animal movement regulations, customs controls over imported feed, veterinary controls and animal diseases.

Following the visit in a report, he concluded that the Islands enjoy a very high animal health status and that the Abattoir, in general terms, was a satisfactory facility. But in the report and subsequent letters, he raised over 100 separate issues for FIG to solve, needing dozens of new procedures and new legislation, extra veterinary and pathology facilities, animal traceability, and proving the health of Falklands meat.

The inspector also required an upgrade to the privately owned freezer facility. FIDC, which runs the Abattoir, had proposed to hold meat in reefer containers for export and Government planned to build more permanent facilities next year. But the inspector has now told Government that the temporary reefers have to be fixed to the Abattoir. So, FIDC say they are urgently arranging for this to happen and are seeking planning permission.

Chair of Falkland Islands Development Board, Cllr. Mike Summers, says they worked extremely hard to jump through every hoop they have been given and, expresses his hope that the Committee will bless the temporary reefer arrangement that’s been put in place and clear the residues list. If they get the go-ahead, export could start next month. But upgrading the temporary freezer may cost £45,000.00 and, an extended Pathology lab around £30,000.00. EXCO has authorised the Chief Executive to commit to the building of a permanent freezer facility at Sand Bay next year, costing £150,000.00. Cllr Mike Summers says that farmers who have been holding on to stock have been very patient and that the project remains an important element of the long-term future for agriculture in the Islands.

(100X Transcription Service)