Independent Report on Animal Health Published
UK - An independent group has published its report into responsibility and cost-sharing over animal health and welfare.

NFU Responds to Govt Animal Health Plans
UK - Following a report by the government’s Responsibility and Cost Sharing Advisory Group, the NFU has said it remains committed to working with ministers on animal health policy engagement.

One Step Closer to Origin Labelling
UK - Clear consumer country of origin labelling (COOL) for pork, chicken and lamb could soon become law after EU ministers gave the idea an overwhelming thumbs up yesterday.

Positive Opinion for Circovac Use in Piglets
UK - Merial Animal Health has received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medical Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) with regard to a variation to the marketing authorisation for its PCV2 vaccine,...

Pig Levy Unchanged But Cereals Levy Increases
UK - The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has launched a six-week consultation with industry stakeholders and trade associations on its Corporate Business Plan 2011-14. It has been...

President Urges EU Action on Transport Enforcement
SCOTLAND, UK - National Farmers' Union Scotland’s (NFUS) President, Jim McLaren has challenged Europe to better enforce existing animal transport laws before giving consideration to new rules that could...

Govt Backs Livestock Industry Sustainability Efforts
UK - Agriculture Minister Jim Paice on Friday, 12 November, backed industry efforts to achieve a more sustainable livestock sector.

Farmers Face £21m Meat Hygiene Charges
UK - More than £21million in charges for meat hygiene services could be passed onto livestock producers after the Food Standards Agency launched a consultation to reduce its costs.

NFUS Slams Meat Inspection Cost Recovery Plans
SCOTLAND, UK - Farmers would bear the brunt of FSA proposals for recovering the costs of meat plant inspections, says the National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS).

Deals with China Show Why Farming Matters
UK - Farming took a leading role on the international stage this week when three major deals were signed as part of the UK’s biggest-ever trade mission to China.

UK Signs Deal to Export Breeding Pigs to China
UK - Britain today signed a deal that will allow the export of its breeding pigs to China, home to half of the world's pig population, the government said.

NFU: Livestock Bill is Admirable but Flawed
UK - Yesterday’s Sustainable Livestock Bill was admirable in intent - but it failed to take on board the work already being undertaken by the industry and cannot be supported by the NFU in its current...

Government Axes Some Defra Bodies
UK - As part of the Government's commitment to radically increase the transparency and accountability of all public services, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, has summarised plans to...

Latest NFU Action on IPPC
UK - The National Farmers' Union (NFU) outlines its latest activites on Integrated Pollution Prevention And Control (IPPC).

Last Chance for Farmers to Have a Say on Red Tape
UK - Farmers and food processors only have a few weeks left to put forward ideas and solutions to get rid of red tape. The public consultation for the Farming Regulation Task Force is due to end on 31...

UFU Meets European Commission on Nitrates
NORTHERN IRELAND, UK - The Ulster Farmers’ Union has met with the Michael Hamell, Head of Agriculture, EU Directorate-General for the Environment, in Brussels this week to discuss the review of the Northern...

VLA and GVS/AGV National Conference 2010
UK - The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) hosted a successful joint national veterinary conference with Government Veterinary Surgeons (GVS) and the Association of Government Veterinarians (AGV) at...

New Call for Responsible Rodent Control
UK - The latest wildlife monitoring figures have prompted a new call for responsible rodent control.

New Project to Reduce Water Pollution
UK - A new research project has been set up to tackle water pollution from beef, dairy, pig and arable farms.

EU Considers Return of MBM in Animal Feeds
UK - Following a long-term ban on the use of meat and bone meal in animal feeds to control BSE, it has been proposed that poultry protein fed to pigs and vice versa in the EU in future.

NFU Opposes Ban on Direct Advertising of Antibiotics
UK - The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) invited the National Farmers Union (NFU) to respond to their proposed changes to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) 2010.

Taskforce Will be Guided by Outcomes
UK - Three words dominated when the English pig industry met Jim Paice's red-tape supremo Richard Macdonald — outcomes, legacy and assurance.

Evaluation of Assurance Schemes Commissioned
UK - The Food Standards Agency is commissioning an evaluation and comparison of third party assurance schemes that focus on food and feed hygiene and standards.

Comments Invited on Medicines Regulation Changes
UK - The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has invited comments on their proposed annual amendments to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

Plans in for 2,000-Pig Fattening Units in Lincolnshire
UK - Proposals for two pig-fattening units in Lincolnshire to house almost 2,000 animals are set to go before planners.

IPPC Directive Review Clause Explained
UK - The European Parliament voted in Plenary in early July 2010 on the package of amendments on the revised Integrated Pollution Prevention And Control (IPPC) Directive.

Opinions on Improving Farm Regulation Wanted
UK - The new Task Force on Farming Regulation are calling for opinions and ideas on ways to improve approaches to regulation as part of a wide ranging consultation launched today.

Minister Calls for More Honest Labelling
UK - The Food Minister is today urging other sectors to follow the good example set in the pig meat sector regarding country of original labelling (COOL).

Changes to Food Standards Agency
UK - Public confidence in food safety issues will be protected, as the Government confirmed its intention to retain the Food Standards Agency (FSA) with a renewed focus on food safety.

Food Standards Agency to Keep Crucial Safety Role
UK - Public confidence in food safety issues will be protected, as the Government confirmed its intention to retain the Food Standards Agency (FSA) with a renewed focus on food safety.