Mr Blair described the decision of the European Union farm ministers as "genuinely good news for farmers and British agriculture".

He added that personally he was "absolutely delighted" to see the end of the 32-month ban.

Agriculture Minister Nick Brown said: "It is a very good day for us, but it is actually a better day for the European Commission. It has played fair by Britain."

And one of his predecessors, Jack Cunningham, said it was "great news".

Dr Cunningham told BBC News Online: "I'm delighted for Nick Brown but more importantly I'm delighted for British beef farmers and the whole industry, because 18 months of hard, continuing work and negotiation has now paid off."

Rigorous safeguards

But he warned there was still a long way to go to win back markets abroad.

"It will not be easy but I'm confident that the quality of British beef will ensure we get there," he said.

Dr Cunningham said the arguments in favour of lifting the ban had been overwhelming because the government had applied "the most rigorous safeguards that existed anywhere in the world".

Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar said it was the beginning of a new future for Scottish farmers.

Mr Dewar said the industry in Scotland had worked hard to raise standards and ensure that the highest-quality meat would be available for the worldwide market.

He said: "This decision is excellent news for the whole of Scotland's beef industry and comes as a direct result of this government's determination to put this item at the top of the EU agenda.

'Seize the opportunity'

"Today's decision is just the beginning of a process leading to the restart of our valuable export trade.

This is excellent news, says Donald Dewar

"Scotland will be particularly well placed to seize the opportunity to put our beef back on the plates of our friends in Europe and elsewhere."

Mr Dewar said the work done by the Scottish industry to raise standards and develop a quality product "will reap dividends".

He added: "Research has already shown there is still considerable demand for our quality product.

"However, complacency at this stage would be a huge mistake as it will take time and hard work on everyone's part to regain our lost markets.