On 27 July, the EU and US agreed a deal on tariffs and trade. Describing it as a deal that will ensure “stability and predictability for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic” Commission President Von der Leyen added that “we have tabilized on a single 15% tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports”. For more detail see link.
Over recent months FEFAC members, including IGFA, have been explaining the negative impact that EU tariffs on US feed products could have on our sector. This trade agreement will exempt all US grain and feed products (such as soybeans, corn, etc) from EU import tariffs. On 5 August the Commission published an implementing regulation suspending these EU ‘rebalancing measures’ on US agri and feed products.
There were mixed reactions to the deal with some denouncing its “asymmetry”. Others expressed relief that further trade conflict with the US has hopefully been averted. More info on the detail of the deal will be available over the coming weeks.
Another public consultation was launched by the Commission on 8 May on a list of imports from the US on which the EU may impose countermeasures if the US continues down the tariff route.
If applied these new proposed counter tariffs are worth €95 billion and would apply on a long list of US products. Soybean meal, cane molasses, sugar beet pulp and corn by-products (but NOT DDGS) are included on the list. Although the Commission has reiterated that they want to find negotiated solutions”, it has emphasised that “we continue preparing for all possibilities, and the consultation launched today will help guide us in this necessary work”.
The consultation closed on 10 June and IGFA submitted a response see here.
DAFM has written to Feed Business Operators (on 28 April) reminding them that a maximum of 14% crude protein is allowed in concentrate feed fed to cattle aged 2 years and over at grass between 15th April and 30th September. This requirement applies to all farmers but it does not apply where cattle are not outdoors full time at grass.
Even in situations where cattle are at grass full time, DAFM remind FBOs that ‘the Department has always and will continue to allow for situations where a higher level of crude protein is required in concentrates to maintain animal welfare or to meet the animal’s dietary needs’. At inspection, DAFM ‘will accept written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist, or an accredited Farm Advisory Service (FAS) advisor stating that a higher level of crude protein is required’.
DAFM has also provided a template, that it will accept as a form of written confirmation justifying if a higher level of crude protein is required, however other forms of letters that provide the appropriate info will also be accepted. This letter should be available on inspection. DAFM also says that ‘Records of purchased feed should include the quantities and types of concentrate feed, including crude protein content, fed to livestock on the holding…these records should be maintained for 5 years and made available for inspection if requested’.
