Ban extended but farmers get 152m
27 February 2001
Ban extended but farmers get 152m
by Johann Tasker
A BAN on livestock movements is extended by a fortnight but exemptions may apply as 152m in aid is unveiled for farmers hit by foot-and-mouth disease.
The news came as Britains 18th case of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in an animal which had been sent to an abattoir at Okehampton, Devon.
Agriculture minister Nick Brown said movement restrictions would remain for a further fortnight and will remain in place until 16 March at the earliest.
However, a scheme will be put in place as soon as possible to allow movement of animals to abattoirs or holding areas under strict controls, he added.
The aim is to ease the backlog of livestock which has been building up on farms since livestock movements were banned across Britain last Friday (23 February)
To further ease the pressure on farmers, Mr Brown said he would apply to Brussels for 152m in agrimonetary compensation for beef, sheep and dairy farmers.
The money is available from the European Union to compensate producers for the drop in incomes caused by the strength of Sterling during the year 2000.
An estimated 16 million would be taken from future budgets of the pig industry restructuring scheme for those who needed help now, said Mr Brown.
The decision came after Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered an emergency Cabinet to discuss measures introduced to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth.
Earlier, in an Internet broadcast, Mr Blair pledged that the government would do everything in its power to isolate and eradicate the disease.
Speaking from Downing Street, Mr Blair said: “I want to offer my sympathy to all those farmers whose livestock has been infected.”
The National Farmers Union, which has long campaigned for agrimoney, said the cash was a sign that the gravity of the foot-and-mouth crisis has been recognised.
NFU president Ben Gill said: “This is a very welcome announcement.
“It shows the Prime Minister and the Government have understood the severity of the plight of British farmers struggling to cope with this nightmare outbreak.”
Mr Gill said the union accepted that the extension of the livestock movement ban was necessary if the spread of foot-and-mouth was to be curtailed.
However, he had also pressed MAFF to allow limited transportation to slaughter — provided it did not inhibit efforts to stop the spread of the disease.
Mr Gill said: “We will be helping to draw up workable plans to allow this urgently needed transport to take place with all the proper precautions.
He added: “However, we must stress that our over-riding priority is to do everything possible to stamp out this disease.”
Further discussions will now take place between the NFU and the government about what other compensation might be necessary to help farmers.
The union is particularly concerned that consequential losses arising from the foot-and-mouth crisis will continue to climb the longer the epidemic continues.