Tough swift action needed to bring relief to UK farmers
UK - The health of UK's livestock industry is almost at breaking point and price rises are on the cards.
28 August 2007
1 minute read
Richard Crane, food and agriculture partner at Deloitte, said: “A combination of factors is threatening the survival of the UK livestock industry. The rising price of wheat and soft commodities are compounding the negative impact of foot and mouth on the UK to a much greater extent.”
Many producers are facing almost 100% price rises in feed costs - the largest cost in producing livestock. Looking ahead production is unlikely to be viable without price rises. The UK is in need of a way forward and the answer can be found in sustainable prices.
Crane added: “Consumers hold the key to a more resilient future. UK shoppers will have to pay more for their meat. Increased prices will allow farmers to continue to meet the increasing demand for local, high quality meat.
“This is likely to be the inevitable cost of securing and also safeguarding the future of UK meat production. Without it, the opportunity to enjoy home-grown quality produce and British meat could become a rarity on supermarket shelves.”
Repercussions could linger once foot and mouth has gone. Vaccinations of animals are likely to be introduced to ensure no further outbreaks occur. Countries that are foot-and-mouth free do not want imports of fresh meat from those tainted with outbreaks because of the danger they may still carry the disease.
Source: RetailBulletin
