NFU urges members to support fallen stock scheme - UK - The NFU today urged all livestock, pig and poultry producers in England and Wales to indicate their support of Defra’s proposed fallen stock subscription scheme by the 6 May deadline.

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For the proposed scheme to become a reality, the government requires more than 50 per cent of farmers to register their interest in joining up.

The scheme is Defra’s response to the EU Animal By-products Regulation, which bans routine on-farm burial of animal carcasses.

The NFU successfully lobbied for the implementation of a national collection and disposal scheme to ensure farmers could comply with the new rules.

As a result, farmers will be able to pay a subscription that is heavily subsidised by the government to have fallen stock removed and disposed of in compliance with the regulation.

NFU Deputy President Tim Bennett said: “The NFU believes that the scheme is not only a good deal but the only deal farmers are going to see that controls the costs imposed by these regulations.“

Under the proposed subscription scheme, there will be a three-tier payment system with small holdings paying 350 per year, medium sized farms paying 3100/year and large farms 3200.

Mr Bennett said it was important that the industry demonstrates support for the scheme.

“Livestock producers need to get behind this scheme. It’s dependent on industry support and it is essential that farmers register their interest.“

The NFU said the government’s proposed scheme addressed the most pressing problems created by the EU regulation and the initial priority was to get it operational through the show of the necessary support.

Mr Bennett said: “The NFU will be looking for Defra to provide longer-term guarantees that the scheme would operate with the subscription rates fixed at the initial levels for at least three years.“

Notes

A copy of the Defra’s letter to farmers seeking their support for the proposed scheme can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/fallen/NewRules.pdf.

The letter should be returned to:

Agricultural and Census Branch
DEFRA
1st Floor, Foss House
Kings Pool
Peasholme Green
York Y01 7YA

The deadline for expressions of support is 6 May.

Source: National Farmers Union - 29th April 2003