Chance to hear Defra cost-share proposals

Feb 29 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

NORTH East farmers are being invited to hear Defra’s plans to make them contribute to the cost of clearing up after disease outbreaks.

But Government officials will face a tough task next month – given the current state of the agriculture business and opposition to the proposal.

The cost-sharing scheme is being outlined at a seminar at Newcastle Falcons rugby ground, Kingston Park, Newcastle, on Friday, March 14.

Defra is consulting on how animal health and welfare may be paid for in the future, with shared decision- making and costs between the industry and the Government.

The public purse currently pays £400m a year on animal health and welfare.

This increases substantially when disease outbreaks such as avian flu and foot-and-mouth disease occur.

Defra argues that the cost to the farming industry is also considerable, yet those affected have no decision- making powers over these policies.

But a spokesman for the NFU said it was opposed to any measures which would see extra financial responsib- ility imposed on members.

He said: “The NFU remains fundamentally opposed to mechanisms which merely seek to transfer Government costs on to industry.

“Livestock farming just cannot afford to take on additional costs and we should be using this process to reduce the cost burden of animal health and welfare policy on Government, industry and the tax- payer.

“We won’t even consider sharing costs, regardless of how much responsibility we may or may not get, until the amount of money in question has been pruned to exclude every single item of superfluous or unnecessary expenditure.

“The NFU wants to see the industry have a much greater say in animal health and welfare but this is a complex issue, which breaks new ground in the relationship between Government and livestock farmers and it will take some time to develop.

“We also acknowledge that Defra has budgetary problems caused by the Treasury.”

Lord Rooker, Minister for Food and Farming, said: “These seminars are a vital way for animal keepers to contribute to the ideas surrounding the sharing of responsibility and cost for animal diseases.”

The seminars are free and independently facilitated and places must be booked in advance. Places are limited and those interested should email rcsworkshops@defra.gsi.gov.uk or call (0207) 238 5758. Refreshments and lunch are provided.

A similar event will take place Carlisle on Thursday, March 13.