Planning Red-tape Ties up Pig Industry
UK - Getting planning permission for new pig buildings has become so complicated and bureaucratic that some producers have given up the struggle and are leaving old inefficient buildings in production rather than invest in newer, cleaner technology, says the National Pig Association (NPA).
9 September 2013
2 minute read
By: NPA is calling on government to help release farmers from the current planning application headlock, by holding an urgent review into the amount of red-tape livestock farmers have to struggle with when they want to put up new buildings.
Over half of the nation's pig buildings are over 20 years old and 90 per cent are no longer ideal for pig production, says NPA. "We desperately need to be able to reinvest and upgrade our current facilities if we hope to continue to provide consumers with high welfare British pork."
Many producers cite planning application problems as a reason for not investing in new buildings. NPA wants Defra to help find ways to improve the planning process to make it more logical and accessible for pig farmers, so that much-needed reinvestment can take place.
It has laid out its arguments in its response to a recent government consultation on red-tape in agriculture and animal health and welfare.
