Press Release: Commission details proposal on new ‘special purchase scheme for beef’

On 16.2.01, in the management committee for beef and veal, the European Commission detailed its proposal to change the 'purchase for destruction' scheme for cattle older than 30 months to a 'special purchase scheme'. According to the new regime, Member States which already have full BSE-test capacity for cattle over 30 months will be able to choose between storing this meat or destroying it. The financial compensation paid to the farmers would remain the same.The new regime will enter into force following the approval by the management committee for beef and veal on 2 March 2001 and formal adoption by the Commission.