Culling ‘non-negotiable’ element of TB strategy
Environment secretary Liz Truss MP has told today’s Devon NFU annual meeting that she was ‘absolutely committed’ to eradicating bovine TB and the Government would ‘act decisively’ in order to tackle animal disease.
"We have proceeded to cull despite loud objections and have taken the necessary action," she said
Ms Truss acknowledged that many farmers are frustrated with the lack of any announcements about the roll-out of the pilot badger culls and with increasing cattle control measures (in particular the ‘ten mile’ rule) but maintained that these had to form part of the Government’s TB eradication strategy alongside culling, which she said was ‘non-negotiable’, though she promised to look at the practical application of cattle control to ease the burden where possible.
NFU President Meurig Raymond thanked the Secretary of State for grasping the agricultural brief so ably during her time in office and for her ‘bravery and commitment’ in proceeding with badger culling, and in a wide-ranging speech he touched on many of the issues facing the industry, particularly the dairy sector.
He said better origin labelling for dairy produce and increasing export markets were essential for securing better farm gate prices.
Mr Raymond said he had been working hard to make sure the new European agriculture commissioner, Phil Hogan, understood that European legislation needed to be simpler, more market-based and helped farmers to become more competitive.
After questions about the Government’s ‘digital only’ strategy for CAP payment registration and the lack of broadband facilities in may rural areas, the Secretary of State read out the helpline number (0300 020 0301) and told the meeting the issues identified with the new system were being addressed.
Both Mr Raymond and the Secretary of State agreed that although the volatility of commodity prices was causing short-term pain, the long-term future for the industry was bright.
Ms Truss also met Caroline Trude, chairman of Devon’s young farmers, who asked the Secretary of State about the future of county farms and routes into the industry for the next generation of farmers.
