MAFF holds back foot-and-mouth Euro-cash
By FWi staff
MINISTRY of Agriculture officials are delaying the payment that could hand a lifeline to farmers hit by foot-and-mouth, accuses one rural business advisor.
Edward Dyke, of Humberts Dorset rural division, says processing of applications under the rural enterprise scheme, which is part of the England rural development program, seems to have stalled since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth.
“The scheme came into affect on 01 April, but we had filed submissions as early as late last year on the understanding applications would be quickly passed from MAFF to the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency assessors. So far nothing has happened.”
According to Mr Dyke, MAFF is blaming foot-and-mouth for the delay, saying it is unable to carry out on-site visits.
However, the consultant points out that Dorset is not in a restricted area.
“The problems are not insurmountable and with common sense MAFF should be able to check the farms.”
The consultant says the organisations apparent lack of concern runs contrary to the Governments promise in the rural white paper to provide active support to rural businesses.
“It is time farmers received positive action rather than cold comfort and hollow words.”
|
FREE NEWS UPDATE |
|
Foot-and-mouth – confirmed outbreaks |
|
Foot-and-mouth – FWi coverage |
|
 |
Farm e-Business Survey. Click here to enter and win 100 Amazon vouchers |
|