Farm News
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FLY-TIPPING IS AN INCREASINGLY common problem, with some extremely disturbing recent examples resulting in significant financial burdens on farmers. Unfortunately, land managers, occupiers or owners of private property are responsible for clearing and disposing of any fly-tipping found on private land.
One way in which you can protect yourself is by organising suitable environmental liability cover, not only protecting you from incidences of flytipping but also other pollution risks such as
Protecting yourself against fly-tippers
fuel tank bursts, spillages into watercourses and other contamination.
When environmental legislation came into force in March 2009, Farmers & Mercantile( F & M) immediately recognised the implications for farmers. The Environment Agency( EA) now has robust laws to uphold and will prosecute those that do not take their environmental responsibilities seriously.
Farmers are therefore being scrutinised like never before, and so it makes sense, where possible, to insure against such potential losses. F & M’ s Enviro-Poll product protects farmers against the costs associated with a pollution incident, including those caused by fly-tipping.
By law farmers are now responsible for the clean-up costs whether caused by accidental damage or by illegal dumping of rubbish.
Most standard liability policies will not have the right type of cover. Policies with clean-up costs limited to approximately £ 30,000 may not even scratch the surface, particularly if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself being prosecuted by the EA for a disaster.
Enviro-Poll also covers for business interruption. For example, if access to your premises is restricted due to a pollution incident, and you are unable to use a building as a result, the business interruption cover will help towards the costs of renting space in a suitable building until full access is resumed.
Enviro-Poll has been underwritten by a specialist environmental insurer and specifically designed for farmers.
Call 01423 325 354 or visit www. fandmgroup. co. uk for details.
LAA CONTINUES BICENTENARY YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Livestock Auction Marts
200 years of innovation and transparency
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MORE THAN TWO CENTURIES OF innovation and transparency are being marked throughout 2017, as the livestock auction mart industry celebrates the bicentenary of the UK’ s first registered livestock auction.
Following the launch of a new brochure charting the history of livestock auction marts since the first registered auction was held in Hawick back in 1817, the Livestock Auctioneers Association( LAA) is leading celebrations with a series of events and receptions across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the celebrations, George Eustice MP, the minister of state for agriculture, fisheries and food, spoke of his appreciation of the industry.
“ I am delighted to congratulate the livestock auction industry on this special anniversary, and to recognise the important contribution auction markets make to the rural economy,” said Mr Eustice.
“ Over two centuries livestock auction markets have provided a consistent, stable and transparent method of selling livestock.”
Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the LAA added,“ Along with our colleagues at the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers of Scotland( IAAS), we are organising a number of events and activities to celebrate the important role of the livestock auction industry.
“ Our annual conference, from 18-21 May, had a special focus on the bicentenary celebrations, while at the same it brought together industry experts and keynote speakers to address the key issues facing the industry today.”
The LAA and IAAS continue to support, develop and promote the crucial role of the livestock auctioneer, helping to deliver an open, transparent and competitive marketing forum for the red-meat sector and the wider rural economy.
“ We can draw on our proud history to address and tackle new challenges and opportunities facing the industry,” continued Mr Dodds.
There are 152 livestock auction markets in the UK today, with a turnover of £ 2.2 billion, selling more than 12 million sheep, 1.6 million and around 150,000 pigs.
Details of further planned activities and events marking the bicentenary are available at www. laa. co. uk
www. farmers-mart. co. uk Summer 2017 5