Compensation cuts on way?

THE GOVERNMENT has announced it wants to streamline cattle compensation payments by introducing a new standardised system. 

Junior DEFRA minister Ben Bradshaw has issued a consultation paper on the subject and invited responses by Dec 24.

The consultation paper covers compensation arrangements for animals affected by bovine TB, brucellosis and enzootic bovine leucosis.

DEFRA wants to see the current system of an independent valuation replaced with that of standard book valuation depending on an animal‘s age, sex, pedigree status and sector.

“We need to take action to ensure we have a system that provides consistent and fair compensation for farmers, supports disease control measures, and protects the taxpayer,” he said.