There must have been an outbreak of Victor Meldrew "I don't believe it" impersonations by everyone associated with the export of dairy products to comments from Jim Begg, director general of Dairy UK, that "exports of dairy products to the EU will not be affected by the outbreak" of foot and mouth ('Milk supply rides out foot and mouth crisis', The Grocer, 11 August, p46). Begging to differ, nothing could be further from the truth as anyone who has an export business will confirm. For the past week, whether it be Defra or other governmental departments, the confusing and sometimes potentially contradictory instructions being issued have all contributed to a situation whereby more than two weeks on from the initial announcement, we and many companies like us are still unable to obtain the necessary certificates or accreditation required to enable us to continue our business. The confusion and lack of clear and concise instructions as to how to acquire the necessary documents have meant many hours of discussions with officials who have been as equally confused and subsequently unprepared to issue any certification without further guidance from the right authority. As I write, my own company is still without the required documents for our depot, or from any of our suppliers - this despite having spent a significant amount of time at the local Defra office and countless phone conversations. Whatever the crisis, the food industry is nearly always 'first in the front line', yet the agencies that should be giving us support appear unable to manage the situation.