NFU disappointed at fallen stock scheme

The NFU today expressed its frustration at continuing delays over the introduction of the National Fallen Stock Scheme.

Following previous assurances that the scheme would be operational by this spring, Defra today announced that a National Fallen Stock Scheme would now not be in place until autumn.

To ensure that a biosecure, efficient fallen stock collection and disposal service is in place from day one, tendering for the national call centre, collection and disposal services must be completed well before the autumn deadline.

NFU West Midlands Senior Food and Farming Adviser Andrew Richards said: "In the interim, it is essential that Defra highlights to enforcement authorities the need for a continued 'light-touch' approach to enforcement of the existing regulations.

"Regulations banning on-farm burial came into force last summer and Defra has thus far failed to provide a safe, economic alternative.

"The NFU has supported the scheme from the outset and we are adamant that further delays must not occur and the scheme is fully operational in the new timescale outlined by Defra."