IN BRIEF

13 July 2001




IN BRIEF

uSEMINARS backed up by business advice are being offered to farmers who lost stock in the foot-and-mouth cull, under a new government programme. Invitations are being sent out to the 7500-plus holdings where animals were slaughtered. Some £10.4m is available to provide up to five days free advice.

uMORE than half Britains farmers believe foot-and-mouth is out of control and two-thirds are still worried about their livestock becoming infected. A survey of 1768 farmers by the National Farm Research Unit shows that 57% do not believe government claims that the disease is under control. Some 66% believe their animals are still at risk from F&M and a further 13% said they were unsure of the risk.

uTHE NFU has launched its second annual Water-wise survey to find out how efficiently farmers are using water. Last years survey of 1000 farmers found that nearly two-thirds used water more efficiently than they used to. The union hopes to establish ways to further conserve use. It will use the results of the survey in negotiations with the government on environmental water rules.

uHELEN Raine has been elected as the UK Agricultural Supply Trade Associations first female chairman in its 25-year history. Dr Raine, director of food assurance at Peterborough agribusiness ABNA, succeeds Andrew Barnard.

uNFU leaders have asked EU Commission officials in Brussels for marketing help to overcome the plight facing UK hill farmers. Led by Less Favoured Areas committee chairman William Jenkins, a delegation discussed the devastating impact of foot-and-mouth movement restrictions. Mr Jenkins also spoke of the problems caused by the loss of export markets and closure of livestock markets because of F&M. &#42


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