2 November 2007

3 minute read

Europe

Ms Jones, who said the broken pipe at Pirbright was probably to blame for the recent Foot and Mouth disease outbreak, also wished NFU Cymru luck with their legal battle against the Government to make the polluter pay.

The Minister said, “We have and will continue to put pressure on the UK Government Treasury and Defra. But I will also continue discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government as this incident has highlighted our need to reform the Barnett funding formula as there is no contingency fund for animal health in the Assembly.”

Edmund Bailey, Vice President of NFU Cymru, on summing up the conference said, “Agriculture and politics are, unfortunately, linked and our main problem this year in the agricultural industry has been brought about by the Foot and Mouth outbreak from a Government licensed establishment. But, do the Government adopt an ‘I’m responsible’ attitude? No, they do their best to wheedle out of their responsibilities like thieves who steal away in the night, taking our ability to trade with them. A Government that’s high on moral principles, that stresses education at every opportunity, yet, they are teaching our youth how to shirk their responsibilities.”

Mr Bailey, continued, “We know the Scottish Executive has funded a £27m recovery package and we’ve had £6.75m from the Welsh Assembly Government, which we are grateful for, and we accept what Elin Jones has said that they haven’t got the money to match the Scottish generosity, but, they must, as must Scotland, keep pressurising the Treasury for this, and more compensation. As farmers, we only need half a chance – we can feed the nation, provide clean water and reduce the carbon footprint.”

Ken Bellis, County Chairman for Clwyd, told the packed crowd at the Conference held on the Royal Welsh Showground, “Thirteen billion pounds has been set aside by the UK Government for consequential losses from businesses and they recently helped out to the tune of millions Northern Rock, but yet Welsh farmers have only been given £6million. It’s wrong.”

Other speakers at the annual conference were the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, who explained the logistics behind having good bio-security on farm in relation to the recent disease outbreaks and told those present that vets are dependant on farmers keeping a regular check on their animals.

Vice President of the Swedish Farming Union, Elizabeth Gauffin, spoke about how her union helped members and consumers in Sweden to make the right choice when buying local and Chris Pollock, former Director of IGER, explained his vision of the future for farming in the UK and the world.

Dai Davies President of NFU Cymru said, “We must thank our sponsors, without which the conference wouldn’t have been possible, HSBC Bank and the Welsh Assembly Government.”

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