Farmers will at last be able to register for the National Fallen Stock Scheme, more than a year after the Government banned on-farm burials.

The National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo), said the scheme would be launched on November 22 and collections would start the same day.

In the meantime, a special helpline opened this week to answer any questions farmers may have about the scheme.

The National Fallen Stock Scheme, and the establishment of the National Fallen Stock Company to run it, is a joint venture between Government and industry.

The Government is providing £10m in the first year to allow the NFSCo to pay 30pc of the costs of collection of fallen farmed stock. In the second year, this figure will drop to £6m and in the third year the Government will contribute £4m.

The scheme will give livestock owners access to a guaranteed, nationwide, biosecure collection service, which is being provided mainly by knacker yards, renderers, hunt kennels and collectors.

Farmers will pay an annual subscription fee of £28 and will be able to choose from a list of collectors in their area, who will charge fixed prices. This annual fee will be reviewed each year and is used to cover administration costs. Michael Seals, chairman of the NFSCo board, said: "I know many livestock farmers are anxious for the scheme to start and for details of how it will work.

"We'll be writing to them shortly with information about the scheme and telling them how they can register. A helpline (0845) 054-8888 opened on October 25 to answer any questions that farmers have about the scheme."

Since May last year, it has been illegal for farmers to bury or burn dead animals on their farm under the EU Animal By-Products Regulation.

The NFU said it supported the scheme and is encouraging farmers to join up as early as possible to help make it a success and to ensure better value for money in the long-run.

Meurig Raymond, NFU vice-president, said: "There is a real opportunity to make this scheme work for farmers. Get on board early while the Government is lending its support and, as with all things in life, the more people who become involved, the cheaper it will become.

"It's in all farmers' interests to sign up to this. The scheme should provide a cost effective mechanism for complying with EU regulations."