NFU HITS OUT AT CUTS IN WELFARE COMPENSATION
RATES
The NFU described today's update on the control of
foot and mouth by the Agriculture Minister as positive but has hit out at the
decision to cut compensation to farmers forced to slaughter their animals on
welfare grounds.
NFU President Ben Gill said: "The decision to further cut compensation
rates will come as a further devastating blow to farmers trying to ride out the
foot and mouth crisis."
Ben Gill said many farmers with animals already entered into the scheme would
suffer because of the sudden change in rate of their animals while a
significant backlog of animals remain.
He added: "I am also concerned that the rates for sows and hoggets are
being based on prices for the few animals still going into the domestic market.
Their true worth is determined by export demand that is now cut off.
"I will be seeking urgent talks with the Minister to see if a fairer basis
can be worked out."
Welcoming the changes to the contiguous cull announced by the Minister during
his FMD update in the Commons, Ben Gill said that the NFU's overriding priority
remained the eradication of the disease, but the change followed
representations made by the NFU.
He said: "It had become increasingly clear that a blanket culling policy
of all livestock on contiguous farms could be modified in the light of the
evolution of the disease.
"As a result of this we discussed modified arrangements with Government
scientists and the British Cattle Veterinary Association last week which led to
discussions within the Government Veterinary Service last Friday.
"The latest joint advice from the country's chief scientist and chief vet
is that the culling policy can be adjusted to permit individual farm
bio-diversity risk assessments on all contiguous farms. Should the risk be low
then the cattle should live but this must be backed by strict on-farm
monitoring."
Cattle farmers will have to demonstrate good biosecurity and their animals will
be checked regularly by vets.
Ben Gill added: "The management and monitoring of cattle left alive on
contiguous farms must be extremely strict. Otherwise, we face the prospect of
sparing some cattle at the expense of more future losses.
"Farmers will need to give their full co-operation to local vets on
this."
Because of the high risk of sheep and pigs passing on the infection the cull of
sheep and pigs within 48 hours on contiguous farms will continue.
The NFU also welcomed the Minister's decision to extend the consultation on the
movement of animals for a further month in response to a request from the NFU.
Ben Gill also welcomed Nick Brown's announcement that he will shortly outline
controls that might be taken to protect the industry from possible infection
from imported produce.
He said the NFU would also work with Government to prepare a recovery programme
for Britain's livestock industry.
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