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» IN FACT , IT IS NOT JUST sheep dippers who are exposed to Ops : shearers , wool graders and auctioneers have been affected and pro-rata , probably more farmers were affected by warblecides and grain bin fumigants . Farming can be a dangerous business .
But Defra still maintains that there is no evidence to support the allegations being made
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about organophospates and long term serious health problems .
‘ Defra still maintains that there is no evidence ’
The fight will , however , go on . SDSSG members will continue to make their voices heard . Of that there is no doubt .
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UNIONS UNANIMOUS When all four UK farming unions met recently to discuss the potential effects Brexit will have on the beef and lamb sectors , one thing was clear : all four agreed on what the priorities must be for the beef and lamb sectors . Top three topics under discussion were access to the EU market , the regulatory burden and |
‘ all four agreed on what the priorities must be ’
an agricultural policy that delivers confidence , as well as the importance of access to non-UK labour which is vital to the meat processing sector .
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» THE NATIONAL FARMERS ’ Union ( NFU ) has called on new Secretary of State for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs Angela Leadsom to work with the body to overcome “ market uncertainties ”.
Leadsom replaces Liz Truss who was in the role since October 2014 and has now moved on to the position of justice secretary .
In a letter to the new minister , National Farmers ’ Union ( NFU ) president Meurig Raymond said : “ The NFU hopes it can work with her in a similarly productive manner as it did with her predecessor , Liz Truss .
“ Following a period of uncertainty we are now entering a significant time for our nation following the Brexit vote and the NFU and farming industry is looking forward to working
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closely with Mrs Leadsom as we together help forge the future of farming and food production in this country . At the forefront will be a new domestic agricultural policy . This should encourage growth , innovation , productivity and profitability .”
Raymond did raise issues that he hopes Leadsom will address .
“ However , there are also many issues that need addressing more immediately - we need a simpler application
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process and improved delivery for BPS ; we need a guarantee from Government that agreements for farmers in agri-environment schemes will be honoured in full ; we need a continuing commitment to the 25-year TB eradication strategy . And above all , we hope that Mrs Leadsom will champion British food and farming . Our industry has a great story to tell and it ’ s an industry that is optimistic about meeting the challenges ahead . |
“ There are many uncertainties to overcome – trade agreements , labour , financial support , legislation are all up in the air . The NFU is embarking on a consultation with our membership – the biggest of its kind for a lifetime – where we will be speaking to farmers and growers across all sectors and in all counties . This work will be invaluable in helping to shape a future domestic agricultural policy – one which is science based , adapted to the needs of British farmers and one which promotes a profitable , productive and sustainable future for British food and farming . With this consultation , we can be sure that when working with Mrs Leadsom , the agricultural policy we push for will have the backing of the farming sector at large .” |