Agriculture JC 27 September 2002

North/South Ministerial Council

Agriculture Sector

The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, Friday 27th September 2002

Joint Communiqué

1. The seventh meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the Agriculture Sector was held in Downpatrick, Co Down on 27 September 2002. The Northern Ireland Administration was represented by Ms Bríd Rodgers, MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who chaired the meeting, and Mr James Leslie, MLA, Minister in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The Irish Government was represented by Mr Joe Walsh, TD, Minister for Agriculture and Food and Mr Eamon O Cuív, TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Animal Health

2. The NSMC had previously agreed to the establishment of an Animal Health Steering Group and a number of working groups tasked with looking at specific issues. In relation to specific issues, the Council noted a paper indicating the principal policy differences, the possibilities for convergence and the timetable for action to achieve convergence. The Council endorsed the paper as a further contribution to the development of an all-Island Animal Health Strategy and acknowledged that further progress on aligning policies and measures was fundamental to the development of the Strategy. The paper is attached as an Annex. The Council noted the indicative timetable for convergence and also agreed that officials should seek to finalise discussions with GB authorities prior to final agreement of the Strategy by NSMC.

Cross-Border Rural Development

3. The Council noted a Progress Report on the work of the Steering Committee on Cross-Border Rural Development.

At the last meeting the Council endorsed the principle of an area-based approach to cross-border rural development and today the Council agreed that the Steering Committee should initiate action to invite applications from partnerships for selection of 4/5 geographically defined border areas under Interreg.

The Council also noted that the Steering Committee would have to give further consideration to the appropriate response to the recommendations arising out of the Cross-Border Education, Training and Research study.

The Council was pleased to note that the Rural Community Network and Irish Rural Link have been successful in their application to deliver the Cross-Border Community Development measure of Peace. The total aid being provided amounts to €970,000. The aim of this Measure is to provide support for the development of a cross-border strategy to address the problems of weak community infrastructure and marginalisation in border communities.

Plant Health

4. At the last meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in its Agriculture Sectoral format held in Dublin on 15 April 2002, the Council asked relevant authorities North and South to pursue the areas suggested for ongoing co-operation in relation to the regulation of plant protection products. At today's meeting the Council noted the continued level of cross-border activity in this sector since the last meeting and new developments in relation to pesticides monitoring and registration review

The Council noted the proposal to organise reciprocal familiarisation visits, workshops, training and ring tests for diagnostic purposes, as a means of improving cross-border scientific and technical co-operation in plant health, including forestry.

In relation to Plant Health Risk the Council agreed that Departments North and South should explore the establishment of a Plant Health Risk Assessment Panel and approved the identification of lead figures in each jurisdiction - Prof Marks (DARD) in Northern Ireland and Mr Michael Hickey (DAF) in the South - to initiate and develop effective cross-border action.

EU Matters and Areas of Co-operation

5. At the Fourth Plenary Meeting of the NSMC held in Armagh on 28 June 2002 the Council agreed that each Sector should separately consider whether there are any EU issues requiring attention and to advise a Working Group established by the NSMC.

The Plenary meeting on 28 June 2002 also decided that Areas of Co-operation should be placed on the Agenda for future NSMC Sectoral meetings for Ministers to consider whether there are items which could be proposed for the future work programme within each Sector.

At today's meeting Ministers had an initial discussion of these issues.

Business related to other NSMC Sectors

North/South Implementation Bodies - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) salary increase 2002

6. The Council approved salary and salary range increases for CEOs based in Northern Ireland, with effect from 1 April 2002.

North/South Ministerial Council Annual Report

7. The 2001 Annual Report of the North/South Ministerial Council was published following the meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

8. The Council agreed that its next meeting in this Sectoral Format would take place in the South in December 2002.

Joint Secretariat

27 September 2002

Annex A

Sector/Measure	Principal policy differences	Convergence Possibilities	Timetable
Import Policies & Portal Controls	Trade in live animals and animal products This trade is based on EU equivalent requirements between Member States so controls are basically identical in both directions. Occasional operational differences in interpretation of EU regulations can lead to differences in health certification. In general, the EU equivalent approach adopted extends to the following areas:- · Animal health requirements for imports of susceptible animals · Level and type of checks on imports of live animals of susceptible species · Imports of fresh meat, minced meat, meat preparations and meat products · Imports of milk and milk products · Imports of meat and dairy products for personal consumption · Imports of semen, ova, embryos, hides, skins and other animal products. Personal imports Based on EU requirements. Ongoing co-operation in how best to apply the controls with differences in operational arrangements. Overall the thrust of the arrangementsis the same in both jurisdictions.	Issues are normally discussed as they arise between veterinary and /or policy staff and if sufficiently important are dealt with by CVO to CVO exchange of letters. Minimal opportunity for further convergence. While there are some variations in so far as individual measures are concerned, the overall thrust of the initiative is to apply equivalent controls at the points of entry into the island of Ireland. Issues might exist for discussion if NI agree less than full EU certification for live animals imports from GB in that this could be viewed as weakening an all-island animal health strategy. Negotiations still on-going at this stage with GB. Possibility if disease position and controls identical between both jurisdictions to seek EU derogation for certain certification requirements. Both administrations are committed to prior co-ordination and consultation concerning any changes in these arrangements. Possible improved co-operation through exchange of information relating to forthcoming policy and operational developments.	Continue to develop import procedures in discussion with DEFRA and DAFRD with a view to achieving an agreed improved level of animal health protection as a component of an all-island animal health strategy. To develop a common North South strategy with respect to illegal imports, taking account of future EU requirements and developing policy in GB.
Internal animal movement standstills	Both administrations apply movement controls in respect of animals moved onto holdings with the overall thrust of the controls being to slow down the movement of animals to prevent the spread of disease. There are differences of detail in the restrictions applied.		Internal movement standstills are a cornerstone of the AH Strategy and agreement on a common approach within the context of forthcoming EU proposals should be reached by early 2003.
Cattle Identification and Tracing	Both administrations apply EU identification and tracing obligations in full. While there are differences in regard to tag supply arrangements and data capture methods between north and south, the thrust of the arrangements is the same in both jurisdictions.	Data exchange: Supply of electronic file of tag numbers of animals exported from south to north Upon resumption of exports from NI, supply of electronic file of tag numbers of animals exported from north to south Establishment of full enquiry access to CMMS to Northern authorities Establishment of full enquiry access to APHIS to Southern authorities	The Identification , Traceability and Cross-Border Fraud Group will take these issues forward. There may be some difficulties/delay due to data protection issues. The overall objective to ensure systems both North and South are complementary by March 2003.
Sheep Identification and Tracing	The Republic of Ireland has already introduced an identification system in which each animal is identified by an individual unique ear tag. Northern Ireland already has legislative requirements for flock level individual identification of sheep supported by a movement permitting system and a central flock contacts database. Northern Ireland is currently preparing legislation to introduce equivalent unique identification requirements. This should be in place by early 2003. EU proposals on sheep identification are awaited and these will influence the approach taken in both parts of the island.	Data exchange: Supply of electronic file of tag numbers of animals exported from south to north Supply of electronic file of tag numbers of animals exported from north to south Establishment of full enquiry access to STAR to Northern authorities Establishment of full enquiry access to APHIS to Southern authorities	Considerable progress towards convergence has already been made on this issue in NI, including the design of new tag ordering software equivalent to the ROI system and the drafting of NI legislation requiring unique identification. This issue has been further endorsed by the independent FMD review in NI and a unique identification system is scheduled to be implemented by early 2003. EU proposals will, in the longer term, form the framework for equivalence.
Pig Identification and Tracing	Northern Ireland has had in place, since September 1994, a system of pig identification and holding registration and this data is held electronically (the DARD Pig Health System). The RoI authorities have recently introduced a broadly equivalent system of herd registration, pig identification and movement notification to a central database. The movement database, which has been designed as a paperless system, is operated by an outside agency on contract.	Data exchange: Supply of electronic file of tag/tattoo numbers of animals exported from south to north Supply of electronic file of tag/tattoo numbers of animals exported from north to south Exchange of data between Northern and Southern Authorities Mutual agreement on identification protocols:	The Identification, Traceability and Cross-Border Fraud Group will take these issues forward. Action on data exchange should be possible once the Southern system is fully operational. There may be some difficulties/ delay due to data protection issues. The overall objective to ensure systems both North and South are complementary by March 2003.
Disease Surveillance	The surveillance priorities on both parts of the island are broadly similar. This is not surprising since the separate policies on surveillance North and South are based on EU Directives and founded in a common interest to facilitate exports of animals and animal products from the two parts the island. Specific surveillance programmes exist as follows: Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL) In accordance with Commission Decision 1999/465/EC of 13 July 1999, ROI is recognised as officially free of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL). Northern Ireland was recognised by the EC Commission as an EBL free region in July 1991. Both parts of Ireland fulfil the conditions necessary to retain such status in accordance with Directive 64/432/EEC as amended. · Enzootic bovine leucosis is a notifiable disease in both parts of Ireland. · All animals slaughtered in ROI and NI are submitted to official post-mortem examinations at which all tumours which could be due to the EBL virus are sent for laboratory examination. Serological testing for EBL is carried out on the herd of origin of any animals with such tumours. In NI 20% of bovines over 24 months of age are subjected to a serological test for EBL. The EBL sera are obtained in NI from blood samples taken as part of the national programme of blood sampling herds for Brucella abortus. Swine Fever - Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is a Class A notifiable disease in both NI and ROI. The island of Ireland is free from CSF (last recorded case in RoI was 1956 and in NI, 1958). The national reference laboratories in Ireland and UK partake in annual ring trials organised by the EU reference laboratory for CSF in Hanover. In addition, annual surveillance of the national pig herd is undertaken both in both NI and RoI. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a Class A notifiable disease in both NI and RoI. ASF has never been recorded on the island of Ireland (either part). The national reference laboratories in Ireland and UK partake in periodic ring trials organised by the EU reference laboratory for ASF in Madrid. In addition, periodic surveillance of the national pig herd is undertaken. Sheep and Goat epizootic disease surveillanceNI carries out active surveillance as part of an UK wide programme for a range of diseases including Maedi-Visna/ CAE, Contagious Agalactia, Brucella melitensis, Brucella ovis, mycoplasma mycoides and mycoplasma capricolum. On the basis of this monitoring, none of these diseases are present in NI. In accordance with Commission Decision 1993/52/EC of 21 December 1992, ROI is recognised as officially free of Brucella melitensis. Since that time RoI has fulfilled the conditions necessary to retain such status in accordance with Directive 91/68/EEC as amended.Samples collected and tested for Brucella melitensis are also tested for Maedi Visna/ Contagious Agalactia/CAE.	Further alignment of animal disease surveillance strategy in the two parts of Ireland on the basis of an agreed prioritisation.	To develop by 31.12.03 and agree the priorities within an animal disease surveillance strategy for the island of Ireland linking where possible with disease surveillance strategy in GB.
Artificial Insemination	The approach to regulating the AI industry differs widely between RoI and GB. Both have detailed procedures in place but these are applied in different ways. The NI AI industry is very tightly licensed and regulated.	Establish common ground with a view to increasing co-operation in genetic trade matters. Exchange of data between Northern Ireland and Southern Authorities. Some further deregulation of the Northern AI industry may be possible.	The structure of the AI industry in the two jurisdictions differs greatly. It should be an objective to move towards greater equivalence.
Animal Welfare	The broad thrust of Animal Welfare policy is governed by EU legislation and is broadly the same in both jurisdictions.	Issues to be considered in future include: · Enforcement (most welfare offences take place entirely in one jurisdiction or the other, which limits the scope for joint action. There would however be the potential for exchange of information and joint action on welfare cases spanning both jurisdictions. Specific aspects within this area include: o welfare of animals during transport; o the import of ponies from GB to ROI via NI; · Legislation in relation to the seizure/taking into care of animals. · Slaughter/humane destruction during epizootic disease. · Implementation of Welfare Directives · Pigs Directive - environmental enrichment of pigs · Laying Hens - interpretation of a 'perch' · WATO implementation - lorries without roofs · Welfare Establishment visits role of veterinary staff · Welfare of imported ponies from GB to ROI via NI · - Welfare concerns during wet weather - money from EC · Welfare concerns during hot weather - WATO / transport of live animals	The area is governed by EU regulations.Ongoing exchange of information in respect of specific cases which have a cross-border dimension.
Veterinary Medicines	Regulation of veterinary medicines and residues is controlled by EU legislation, therefore similar policies operate in both jurisdictions. Subsequent meetings will discuss scope for alignment of procedures on medicated feedingstuffs, sale of medicines and illegal cross-border trade.	Common approach, where feasible on authorisation and classification of veterinary medicines. (NB need to involve Veterinary Medicines Directorate which undertakes authorisation functions on behalf of UK). Co-operation between laboratories on testing protocols. Mutual exchange of information on residue surveillance.	Ongoing exchange of information in respect of specific cases which have a cross-border dimension.
TSEs-i) BSE	In the ROI, complete herd slaughter is carried out in the event of a positive BSE case. This is not the position in NI, although equivalent public health protection measures are in place. In NI, following a BSE positive result, all offspring born on or after 1/8/96 are slaughtered and tested for BSE, all cohorts are identified and tested for BSE when eventually slaughtered and no cattle over 30 months of age enter the human food chain. Notification systems are in place whereby the DAFRD, ROI,advise DARD of the export to NI from the ROI of any offspring of an ROI BSE case. Reciprocal arrangements are not necessary as currently no cattle can be exported from NI (being part of the UK) to the ROI or any other Member State. TSE surveillance testing is an EU requirement and is ongoing in NI and the ROI. The only operational difference between NI and the ROI is that NI must test a proportion of Over Thirty Month Scheme (OTMS) cattle. The OTMS is not required in the ROI (UK scheme only) but the ROI must test for BSE all human consumption cattle over 30 months of age.	Data exchange on TSE surveillance programmes and testing results also BSE reported passive cases.	Ongoing
ii) Scrapie	Both administrations are implementing the EU surveillance testing programme and, pending the development of an EU-wide approach to the control and eradication of scrapie, have been developing policies to control and eradicate scrapie on the island of Ireland. While the approaches to scrapie eradication in each jurisdiction differ in the detail, they both involve greater flock-owner awareness, enhanced testing, depopulation and continuing assessment of genotypes.The main difference to date has been the approach to genotyping, but there is likely to be greater convergence on this aspect in the future as EU proposals are developed.	Exchange of information Sharing and evaluating practical experience and findings Joint initiatives where appropriate eg the preparation and issue of a joint advice leaflet for farmers on scrapie Increased monitoring of trade patterns on adoption of enhanced TSE surveillance testing of slaughter sheep in both jurisdictions	On-going The TSE Working Group is preparing the joint advice leaflet, which is nearly at final version stage.The EU is bringing in proposals for scrapie genotyping and control and this will provide the framework for North - South convergence.
Tuberculosis	The policies for TB control in the North and South of Ireland are broadly in line with EU Directives. Some policy differences remain in relation to, for example: · the testing of inconclusives; · wildlife as a reservoir of infection; · valuation and compensation In NI, a policy review has recently been completed and proposals made which would lead to further convergence. The views of stakeholders are currently being sought, including views from DAFRD.	Data exchange Joint computerised mapping of areas either side of the border Aspects of policy subject to the policy review process.	Develop an all-island framework for TB surveillance and control, including milestones for disease reduction by March 2003.
Brucellosis	The policies for Brucellosis control in the North and South of Ireland are broadly in line with EU Directives. Some policy differences remain in relation to, for example: · Testing levels (annual in ROI - mostly biennial in NI); · pre-movement testing; · valuation and compensation procedures; · housing of certain high risk animals; · slurry treatment; · computerised mapping system. In NI, a policy review has recently been completed and proposals made which would lead to further convergence. The views of stakeholders are currently being sought, including views from DAFRD.	Data exchange Joint computerised mapping of areas either side of the border Aspects of policy subject to the policy review process.	Develop an all-island framework for BR surveillance and eradication including milestones for disease reduction by March 2003.
Johnes Disease	In NI no slaughter and compensation policy but remains notifiable. RoI have discretionary provision for slaughter and compensation.	Joint issue of advice for farmers. Joint decision to use ELISA test in any official diagnosis of Johnes. Joint surveillance programme.	Not a significant trade issue at this time.
CLA	Scheduled and notifiable in both NI and RoI.In both jurisdictions there is a policy of slaughter and compensation for clinically confirmed and in-contact sheep.	Review of policy.Surveillance on an all-island basis.	Develop and agree an all-island surveillance strategy for CLA by March
NI has had an Aujeszky's Disease Eradication Scheme in place since 1994 and is currently funding vaccination of Primary Status Breeding Stock by PVPs to help with the eradication programme. A register of OADF/ADF herds who have given permission for their names to be published is issued to farming organisations and field staff on a monthly basis. There are 3 categories of herds within the scheme. Primary Status, where vaccination is compulsory, AD free, where 2 clear tests of breeding stock have proven disease freedom and where vaccination is optional and officially AD free where 2 clear tests of breeding stock have proven disease freedom and where no vaccination takes place. RoI has commenced a comprehensive national survey of pig herds to determine the AD status of the national herd. Herds will be awarded a status on a sample survey of both breeders and fatteners - the cost of taking samples is being met by the herdowners, with laboratory costs being met by the State. Retention of AD free status by a herd will depend upon strict movement controls being observed - this will be monitored via the central movement database. Vaccination, where appropriate, will be compulsory and will be paid for by the herdowner. Herdowners will have access to the AD status of other herds as recorded on the central database.	Data exchange. Agreed AD status of pigs moving between NI and RoI.	Develop an all-island framework for Aujeszky's disease surveillance and eradication, including milestones for disease reduction by March 2003.
PRRS	Notifiable in both jurisdictions. In NI, vaccination of pigs is currently not permitted (although vaccination is practiced in GB). The policy in Northern Ireland is under review. Some laboratory serological surveillance is carried out (on Aujeszky's Disease submitted samples). DAFRD imposes movement controls on affected herds and the controls which cover the movement of pigs/carcases from infected holdings are to continue - subject to licence. Controls extended to include disposal of slurry. Additionally on a case by case basis, herdowners whose holdings are infected and thus restricted, may be licensed, on application and on a case by case basis, to utilise a vaccination programme against PRRS, in the context of a herd health programme devised by their veterinary advisor - with the intention of eliminating the disease from their herds. Movement of pigs from restricted holdings, whether vaccinated or not, will be subject to licence.	Agreed vaccination policy.	Agree an all-island position with respect to PRRS by March 2003.
Salmonellosis (pigs)	RoI have a statutory surveillance and control programme in place NI have an on-going survey with the aim of introducing a similar control programme. New Zoonosis Directive may lead to changes.		Develop in NI an equivalent surveillance and control programme by March 2003.
Salmonellosis (poultry)	1.Breeding Stock - similar implementation of Zoonosis Directive re Breeding chickens. Difference is that RoI also include turkeys, geese and ducks. NI does not. 2. Broilers - surveillance programme in RoI (statutory). In NI no such programme. 3. Layers:- i. Statutory surveillance programme for egg layers in RoI including provision to slaughter and compensate in respect of Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium. No such programme in NI. ii. Vaccination of egg layers not permitted in RoI and import of vaccinated eggs is not allowed. In NI vaccination of egg layers is encouraged.	NI to consider re-introducing other species of poultry into breeding flocks and hatcheries monitoring programme.	Further convergence is likely to occur on the basis of the forthcoming revision of the EU Directive on Zoonoses.
Newcastle Disease	Notifiable in both NI and RoI. Vaccination is voluntary in both NI and ROI. In NI routine surveillance takes place in breeding flocks and on pathological samples submitted. Some testing is also conducted under the NIPHAS scheme. In ROI there is some monitoring of antibody titres. There is also routine screening of pathological samples.
Avian Influenza	Notifiable in both NI and RoI. Vaccination not permitted in either ROI or NI. UK wide surveillance of both commercial poultry and wild birds to be introduced shortly. In ROI - AI surveillance plan to be submitted to Commission by 15 October (Cion Decision).	Increased surveillance by RoI to include wild birds.	Develop an all-island Avian Influenza Surveillance Framework by December 2003, linking with disease surveillance strategy in GB.