Moving industry forward at sheep 2006

Increased returns for lamb, simplifying sheep movements and lobbying against double tagging will be just some of the items being discussed on the NFU stand at Sheep 2006.

The NFU stand will be highlighting some of the key issues facing the sheep sector including:

· Working for effective terms and conditions of trade

· Simplification of sheep movement regulations

· Cross compliance

· Scab eradication

· Working for a solution to the problems of electronic identification

NFU livestock board chairman Thomas Binns said: "Producers must look forward and continue the drive to improve efficiencies in the industry. Investment in research and development is essential to ensure British sheep meat and products remain as market leaders within Europe and secure our future.

"Farmers are beginning to recognise the significance of CAP reform and the challenges it presents. It is vital the industry as a whole moves away from subsidy support to a consumer-led market, focussed on improving margins."

For this year's show the NFU is leading by example to promote best practice for sheep dip to protect the environment, culminating in the launch of its Stop Every Drop campaign, uniting all sectors of the sheep industry.