A week in politics may be long, but is an eternity in farming

NFU Livestock Chairman meets the Secretary of State to spell out what is required to relieve pressure in the industry.

National NFU Livestock Chairman, Thomas Binns, has left the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, in no doubt that an aid package for livestock farmers is urgently required.

Mr Benn visited Mr Binns at his farm in Clitheroe, Lancashire today (Thursday 04 October) before going to witness a sheep sale at Skipton Auction Mart.

Mr Binns, said: "I feel very strongly that we need a mechanism to pay new cash to as many affected people as possible. That money also has to be a new stream of money which is worked out retrospectively. I stressed to Mr Benn that a week may well be a long time in politics but it's an eternity in the livestock industry at this time of year."

Mr Binns pointed out that any aid package drawn up by Mr Benn had to include animal welfare which he believes may become an issue because movements have been delayed for so long.

Mr Benn talked about the industry working together with the Government to solve what he described as 'a joint problem'.

On the question of aid packages, Mr Benn added: "I can't give you an answer today but I can assure you that I will be spending today listening and considering."

Mr Binns said animal welfare implications had to be considered if and when Mr Benn draws up an aid package. Mr Binns said: "Sheep stuck in the hills at the moment are eating grass belonging to next year's sheep. Physical movement is the key to relieving welfare in the hills. For this reason, sheep will still go to market and ultimately depress it.

"I emphasised to the Secretary of State that where there are market failures caused largely by farmers trying to avoid welfare problems, support would be essential. Farmers' confidence in selling stock has been severely damaged which is again undermining the marketplace."