Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 631: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 5 March 2008, her views on the way this directive could adversely impact on farm-to-farm trade; her views on whether the primary purpose of this directive was geared at the milling industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11405/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the obligations placed on farmers by EU Regulation 183/2005 on Feed Hygiene will not adversely impact on farm to farm trade. This Regulation lays down general rules on feed hygiene and traceability for all feed business operators, including farmers. These rules are aimed at ensuring safe production, trade and use of feed materials. Farm to farm sales are not specifically impacted except in so far as a requirement for keeping records and adhering to the general hygiene requirements for the production, storage and sale of primary feed materials.

The obligations under the legislation are more onerous on other feed business operators such as mills, store owners and hauliers. This is because they have the potential, due to size, diversity of materials used and customer base to affect a large number of other feed business operators in the event of problems arising. In the case of all feed business operators, other than farmers, there is also a requirement for them to establish a quality system based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.