Farmers must receive fair price in midst of crisises says NFU livestock chair
National NFU Livestock Chairman, Thomas Binns, will address Lancashire livestock farmers on how to deliver a sustainable, profitable livestock farming sector in the midst of two crisises.
Animal movement restrictions imposed because of the emergence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Bluetongue has put into sharp focus the precarious situation in which beef and sheep farmers find themselves. Many farmers are reporting lamb prices which are less than half of what they were last year. As the livestock sector was the most heavily subsidised under the old support schemes, it has the biggest challenge to adapt to a de-coupled support system.
The meeting which takes place at the Lancaster Auction Market, Lancaster on Tuesday 20 November, starting at 7.30pm, will outline the measures being taken to address the shortfall in cash flow caused by the recent FMD restrictions and the future strategy to control Bluetongue. The work being undertaken by the NFU in relation to market support and compensation will also be highlighted. However, the main focus of the evening will be what changes need to happen if farmers are to receive a fair price for what they produce.
Mr Binns, who farms in Lancashire himself at Downham near Clitheroe, said: "I remain convinced that there is sufficient value within the red meat supply chain for farmers to receive a fair price for what they produce.
"This price should not only cover the cost of production but provide sufficient income to allow business to reinvest for the future.
"Recent events have shown how vulnerable farmers are to sudden changes in the market conditions. Farmers need to understand the supply chains within which they are working, what the market wants and how much it will cost to produce it.
"However, retailers, processors and consumers need to understand that they must act responsibly to ensure that the producer receives a fair price to deliver a sustainable livestock sector."
All farmers are welcome to attend the meeting.
