The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has recently informed calf exporters of the suspension of lairage facilities in Cherbourg, France. This news has implications for those involved in the export of calves from Ireland, as Cherbourg is a key destination point for these shipments. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the lairage suspension, what it means for the industry, and what steps are being taken in response to the situation.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has informed calf exporters that services at Pignet Control Post in Cherbourg, France have been suspended.
A DAFM e-mail sent on Friday, March 24, stated that services at the Pignet Control Post in Cherbourg, France, were suspended by French Authorities with immediate effect. The e-mail advised it will not be possible to make a booking there until the suspension is lifted.
Calf exporters were advised that bookings for Saturday, March 25 were cancelled and that further updates would be issued as information becomes available. All Irish calves travelling to mainland Europe through Cherbourg Port pass through one of two control posts: Pignet and Qualivia.
Once the calves leave the boat, they go directly to one of these two control posts to be fed and rested for approximately 12 hours. The two control posts can hold over 5,000 calves, with Pignet Control Post managing approximately 50% of these. The suspension of services at this post will therefore reduce the number of calves that can travel from Ireland to Cherbourg by approximately 50% in each sailing.
This is the third time that the movement of Irish calves to mainland Europe has been disrupted this year, with stormy weather conditions and a strike in France causing several livestock sailings to be cancelled over the past three weeks. The DAFM e-mail did not specify the reason for the suspension or when it is likely to be lifted. It is expected that the announcement will have a negative impact on the demand for export-type Irish calves over the coming days.
In conclusion, the recent suspension of lairage facilities for calf exports at the port of Cherbourg by French authorities has presented significant challenges for Irish exporters. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has acted swiftly to communicate the situation to exporters and to explore alternative options to transport calves safely and efficiently. While this has caused disruption, the welfare of the animals remains the top priority. The Irish agri-food sector remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and safety in all stages of the supply chain. As the situation in Cherbourg evolves, we can be assured that the Department and all stakeholders in the industry will work together to find robust solutions that uphold these values.
