NFU Cymru says cost-saving not cost sharing!

NFU Cymru has left Government in no doubt whatsoever that any plans for cost-sharing with the industry can not be considered until DEFRA has undertaken a root and branch cost-saving review across its whole budget.

NFU Cymru President, Dai Davies, confirmed, "In our recent discussions with DEFRA we have made NFU Cymru's position absolutely clear, as follows.

"Firstly, DEFRA must look at every area of its budget to try and secure the level of savings it has to achieve for the Government Comprehensive Spending Review. Every area of its work must be examined.

"Secondly, any review needs to look not only at DEFRA's domestic spending responsibilities but also the European and World Trade talks to consider every possible cost-saving. An example would be the proposed Farm Advisory Service and how that could be aligned with the countless number of inspections that currently take place within the industry.

"Thirdly, DEFRA is proposing sharing responsibility for animal diseases. In order to make any progress on this front there must be trust established and I have called upon DEFRA to take immediate action on TB control, to demonstrate that they really are looking for partnership and that they are prepared to listen to the industry. Only then could we realistically begin to consider any partnership."

Dai Davies added, "Finally, if DEFRA is serious in looking to establish an independent partnership body to deal with animal disease, then that body must be industry-led and it must also be free to decide upon and implement policy without interference from Government. If any new body can be overruled or ignored by Ministers there seems little point in any further discussion on the issue."

Mr Davies concluded, "Our central message is clear, namely that DEFRA must examine every cost saving possibility before any talk of cost-sharing with our industry."