NFU Cumru presses Assembly for isolation units

NFU Cymru once again pressed the Welsh Assembly for isolation units to be permitted to help farmers cope with the rigors of the current 20 day standstill restrictions during this morning's meeting with the Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones.

Dai Davies NFU Cymru President said, "Once again I have met with the Minister today with isolation units; multiple pickups and drop-offs; movements within a single occupancy licence and the six-day restriction applying to stock destined for slaughter at the top of my shopping list. I am beginning to feel like a marathon hurdler constantly reaching for the next hurdle so that we can move forward to the next pressing issue once we have one in the bag!"

Mr Davies continued, "I have no doubt whatsoever that the Minister understands the need for a light lamb disposal scheme in Wales and I sincerely hope that the Assembly will recognise the plight these producers face in the total absence of an export outlet and introduce such a scheme. These producers are facing economic and welfare problems and personal hardship through no fault whatsoever of their own, but because the virus was allowed to escape from a Government complex in Pirbright. The situation beggars belief! To my mind the Government got us into this mess and they have the responsibility to get us out of it! The Prime Minister has talked of supporting the industry through these dark days and we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to help our members."

Mr Davies concluded, "I hope when I meet the Minister again on Thursday that there may be some light at what seems, at the moment, to be a very long and dark tunnel."