Judge backs farmers against MAFF


13 March 2000



Judge backs farmers against MAFF


By FWi staff

THE Ministry of Agriculture faces a judicial review after a High Court judge ruled in favour of claims of unfair discrimination made by pig farmers.

The judge ruled that a judicial review applied for by the British Pig Industry Support Group must proceed on a fast-track route.

The action followed claims by pig industry leaders that BSE-related charges have unfairly added more than £5 a pig to their production costs.

The farmers are also angry that agriculture minister Nick Brown has refused to apply to Brussels for financial aid to help the pig sector.

MAFF officials must now prepare their case as a matter of urgency and the review is likely to come before the courts within weeks rather than months.

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