NFU welcomes news on markets re-opening

NFU Cymru has welcomed this afternoon's announcement by the Minister for Rural Affairs of the further unravelling of restrictions which will enable livestock auctions and shows to resume in Wales as of Monday next week.

The resumption of livestock markets, animal gatherings and shows will re-commence but they will be subject to strict conditions; on which NFU Cymru is continuing to have detailed discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government.

Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President, speaking after today's FMD stakeholders meeting said, "We have pressed the Minister to signal the timetable for the unravelling of the remaining restrictions as soon as possible so that farmers can plan their marketing arrangements."

Blood testing in the surveillance zone is due to be undertaken soon and the hope is that all tests will come back negative which will enable the surveillance zone restrictions to be lifted as of 8 September. NFU Cymru then hopes to see a return to normality, with all remaining restrictions being lifted (including the return to a six day standstill rather than the current 20 day period) by the week commencing 15 September.

Dai Davies concluded, "This afternoon's announcement is good news for the industry in Wales as it takes us another step closer towards normality resuming but we are not there yet."