Norwegian industry federation fears summer beef shortage
The ministry is expected to discuss a possible reduction with the industry by 8 May.
The KLF estimates that there is currently only 1,500 tonnes (t) of beef meat in reserve cold storage. This includes semi-processed meat used in the production of minced meat and sausage products.
The federation wants the ministry to significantly reduce the present beef import tariff, which currently stands at 66 Norwegian krone (NOK) (US$11) per kilo. The organisation has presented a submission to the ministry seeking a reduction in the beef import tariff to NOK20 per kilo (US$3).
"We are facing a real shortage if this tariff rate continues to be applied over the coming months. We are heading in to the summer season, which is traditionally a high consumption period for beef, but particularly for grilled meats and steak. This is an urgent problem, and we need an immediate reaction from government," Endre Myhr, the KLF’s marketing director told GlobalMeatNews.
Norway faced beef shortages in the past, most recently in 2011 when the government reduced the tariff to allow import of 110,000t of beef products, mainly from Ireland, Poland and France. Speaking from the Storting (national parliament) in February 2014, agriculture and food minister Sylvi Listhaug claimed the government would "have no issue" with reducing tariffs again to relieve meat shortages.
