Farm News
»»
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
»»
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