Strasbourg

THE EC's ban on the milk boosting drug BST has been renewed for a

further seven years, amid fears of a consumer backlash against both milk

and beef.

EC Agriculture Commissioner Rene Steichen also warned of a damaging

rationalisation of farming if he authorised the drug, leading to

thousands of smaller farmers in the poorest regions being driven out of

business.

Attempts to overturn the ban were spearheaded by drug companies

Monsanto and Eli Lilly, with the backing of senior EC veterinary and

scientific consultants. Reports concluded in recent weeks that banning

the drug could not be justified on health or ethical grounds.

But Mr Steichen said the long-term impact of the drug -- which can

boost yields by up to 20% -- would be to concentrate production in the

hands of the biggest milk quota holders.

He added that the already troubled beef market would also be thrown

into further turmoil, as slaughtered dairy herds would be replaced by

beef breed cows.

Mr Steichen rejected pleas from the pharmaceutical industry for a

labelling system which could allow consumers to distinguish between

regular milk and that obtained using BST.

''BST would inevitably tarnish the image of a product which is at

present considered natural, wholesome, and of a high quality,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Brussels has launched a crackdown on cruel treatment of farm

animals during transport.

A statement says there was ''ample evidence that animals are often

transported long distances in poor and overcrowded conditions.''

The new rules, which must be approved by the 12 EC Agriculture

Ministers, would impose strict rest, feeding, and watering intervals,

and limit the numbers of animals in any given vehicle. Hauliers will

have to draw up a detailed itinerary, to make spot checks by inspectors

easier.