The result was large beef surpluses, which were costly to store. Additionally, generous export subsidies moved excess supplies onto world markets. By 1985, these surpluses were so large that EU policy-makers were supportive of any measure that would limit beef imports. EU attitudes have not changed significantly since 1985. EU consumer organizations continue to support the hormone ban, as do many European livestock producers, even though beef surpluses have virtually disappeared.
Producers remain concerned about competition from possibly cheaper imported beef.
In addition, EU agricultural policy-makers are resistant to policies that might accelerate the contraction of the agricultural sector and the move to urban areas where unemployment rates are high. Livestock producers are also concerned about maintaining demand for beef in EU markets. Most scientists believe the risks of that happening are slight. Although BSE is thought to be caused by a virus, many European beef producers fear doing anything that would give consumers a disincentive to buy meat. EU political support for continuation of the hormone ban remains strong.