Implement recovery plan now – NFU

18 October 2001



Implement recovery plan now – NFU

By FWi staff

THE governments foot-and-mouth recovery plan must be implemented immediately if it is too succeed, the National Farmers Union has warned.

The plans effectiveness will depend on how quickly its recommendations are put in to practice, claimed NFU deputy president Tim Bennett.

He said: “There is little doubt that the foot-and-mouth disaster, on top of the prolonged crisis in agriculture, has brought our rural economy to its knees.”

Mr Bennett was reacting to proposals recommended in a long-awaited recovery plan unveiled by Lord Haskins on Thursday (18 October).

In his report, Lord Haskins urged the government to help farmers by tackling problems caused by livestock movement restrictions.

He also wants the government to assist farmers with restocking and make producers more aware of government help available to the sector.

Commenting on the report, Mr Bennett said farming and rural businesses, particularly in areas like Cumbria, were inextricably linked.

But he added: “The need to get agriculture back into the black must remain the priority.”

Mr Bennett said the NFU was concerned about Lord Haskins proposals to buy sheep quota from farmers as a means of reducing the national flock.

Union leaders would be talking to Government about the recommendation and studying details of the plan further, he added.

• Haskins unveils rural recovery plan, FWi, 18 October, 2001
• Government to reveal recovery plan, FWi, 17 October, 2001
• Farmers urged to look to the future, FWi, 15 August, 2001
• New broom Haskins sweeps in, FWi, 14 August, 2001
• Blair adviser wants end to markets, FWi, 7 March, 2001