Farm leaders discuss recovery plan

24 May 2001



Farm leaders discuss recovery plan

By FWi staff

UK farming union leaders met on Thursday (24 May) to discuss the latest situation with foot-and-mouth and a livestock recovery plan after the disaster.

National Farmers Union, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru Wales and the Ulster Farmers Union representatives attended the meeting at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Issues discussed included government proposals on animal movement restrictions, additional government support and a possible out-goers scheme.

Particular concern was expressed at the foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Settle and all farmers were urged to keep up their biosecurity measures.

And although foot-and-mouth has rightly drawn huge attention, the current state of the arable sector is also causing very great concern, said representatives.

The four unions agreed that seeking further measures to improve the position for the arable sector is a top priority.

This includes an increase in the arable base area to cope with increased set-aside arising from bad weather and the impact of foot-and-mouth.

Among those attending were NFU deputy president Tim Bennett, NFUS President Jim Walker, NFU Cymru president High Richards and UFU president Douglas Rowe.

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