Welsh farmers tackle Defra boss on F and M fiasco

Foot and mouth disease seems a distant memory to some, but its effects continue for the livestock industry with every bank statement, bill and rent-demand a harsh reminder of the damage done by the biosecurity lapse at Pirbright, and central Government's moral obligation to repay the industry for the damage.

This was the message of Farmers' Union of Wales officials when they met Defra Secretary of State Hilary Benn in London to discuss issues affecting the Welsh farming sector.

FUW president Gareth Vaughan, deputy president Emyr Jones and senior policy staff met the Minister at Defra headquarters in Westminster for almost an hour.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Vaughan said: "Among the issues discussed were the case for FMD compensation, the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform proposals,

bluetongue disease, and Defra's cost-sharing agenda"

"We made it clear to the Minister that while FMD seems a distant memory to some, its effects are ongoing for the livestock industry with every bank statement, bill and rent-demand acting as a harsh reminder of the damage done by the biosecurity lapse

at Pirbright, and central Government's moral obligation to repay the industry for the damage caused.

"However, we also drew attention to the fact that more could and should be done to ensure that supermarkets and government bodies support the industry, particularly during a crisis as occurred in the late summer and autumn.

"During that period, while prices received by farmers fell by 30 or 40 per cent, there was little change in prices on the supermarket shelves, and farmers were galled to see a glut of foreign meat in some stores at a time when we needed support

more than ever.

"Similarly, there was little change in government body procurement policies. Meanwhile, on-farm costs of production increased with wheat prices 97 per cent higher in August 2007, compared with August 2006, and straw and fertilizer up by 25

per cent and 10 per cent.