August 2008 Archives

Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan today called on Welsh farmers to vaccinate their livestock at the earliest opportunity following conformation that the whole of Wales will be declared a Bluetongue Protection Zone from Monday (September 1).

The move comes following confirmation that cases of Bluetongue 8 (BTV8) have been confirmed in imported cattle in Tiverton, Devon.

FUW President Gareth Vaughan said: "For the first time this year we have seen cases of BTV8 in the UK, with three infected premises confirmed in the past week. The disease is now on our doorstep and from Monday Welsh farmers will be able to take action to minimise the risk to their livestock.

"I therefore urge farmers who have not yet ordered vaccine from their vets to do so immediately. It is expected that vaccine supplies will become available within days, with further batches arriving over the coming weeks."

The announcement coincides with Wales' busiest time in terms of crucial livestock sales, which are desperately needed after the disruption caused by Foot and Mouth disease last year.

Reacting to the news that cases of Bluetongue have been confirmed in imported cattle in Devon, and imported rams in East Sussex and Hertfordshire Mr Vaughan added: "In February the FUW called on Welsh farmers to voluntarily ban live imports from high risk areas of continental Europe, and this remains our position.

"In recent weeks the number of cases in northern Europe has spiralled to over 5000, and the disease is endemic in large areas on the continent.

"Last year the midges that carry the disease were still active until mid December, and any animals imported now put us at risk of seeing the disease spreading over a period of four months or so.

"Such importation not only risks introducing BTV8 to Wales - it could also introduce strains of the disease not yet present in Northern Europe, such as strains 1,2 and 4. Although vaccine for BTV8 will soon be available to us, the chances of getting hold of vaccine against other strains seems minimal."

Further information on Bluetongue is available on the Welsh Assembly Government website: www.wales.gov.uk/bluetongue .

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The latest situation with regard to the Bluetongue disease was explained to farmers during a question and answer session type event held on the Farmers' Union of Wales stand at the Denbigh and Flint County Show with Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones AM.

Farmers were asked to prepare, and be ready to vaccinate livestock as soon as the whole of Wales becomes a Bluetongue Protection Zone, which would hopefully be in early September. The Minister could not confirm the exact date this would happen but this would not be before 31st August 2008 and was dependent on vaccine availability and on whether any confirmed cases of the disease were found elsewhere in the Country before this date. A close working relationship had, and would continue to develop on this very important issue with all stakeholders, the Minister added.

Strong views were expressed on the electronic tagging of sheep (EID) regulation, which would be enforced in 2010. The Union had made strong representations on this over a number of years but it proved difficult to get the European authorities to understand the effect EID would have on the sheep industry in Wales. The Minister understood the difficulties and stated that she, as well as her officials had done a lot of work on this. However, as this was a European regulation passed in 2003 following the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001, it was difficult to change this or amend any details of the regulation. A petition was available for farmers to sign on the Union's stand during the show.

An update on the TB eradication programme was had with the Minister stating that the Welsh Assembly Government were committed to the programme as announced in recent months. However, it was a long and complicated process and it would take time to put the measures in place, the Minister explained.

Other important issues raised were the NVZ situation, agri-environment schemes, food security, as well as new entrants into the industry.

At the end of the forum, County Vice Chairman Eryl Hughes said, "We appreciate the Minister taking the time to attend our stand and giving the regions farmers the opportunity to raise issues of concern with her. We hope she found the meeting useful, and that she takes on board the views expressed by our members at the show".

The 'Farming & Rural Forum' held on the Farmers' Union of Wales stand at the Denbigh and Flint County Show was well attended with many important issues discussed. The panel members were Conservative MP David Jones, Lib Dem AM Eleanor Burnham, Plaid Cymru's Llyr Huws Gruffydd and Iwan Jones representing the YFC.

The recent week's news of a possible 'price war' on milk prices was highlighted with those farmers present stating that with the dairy industry, as with other industries, was suffering from increased costs of production, it was vital therefore that the dairy farmer did not suffer losses as a result of any price war between the major supermarkets. It was again mentioned the need for a supermarket ombudsman to regulate the supermarkets.

The current post office closures consultation was raised with many rural residents concerned that this was another damaging blow to the services offered in rural areas. The panel members agreed, and asked everyone to ensure they responded to this important consultation, and more importantly, use local services such as the local shop or post office.

With the recent increases over the last six months in the price of fuel highlighted by the FUW at the show, why were we paying more for our fuel and a larger percentage of tax on the fuel, than most other Countries was asked, with this having a huge impact in rural areas. It was suggested that the Government in Westminster should look at adopting a policy to support everyone when fuel prices rise the way they have done in recent months, although they were coming down now it was accepted.

Food security, the local economy, as well affordable housing was also discussed.

At the end of the forum, County Executive Officer for the region Gareth Wyn Jones said, "We thank everyone for making the effort in attending the forum this morning and in ensuring a lively and interesting debate. It is vitally important that we raise awareness of our concerns for the rural area, and farming in general with our local politicians, and we hope they take some of the points raised forward from this forum."

Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan will hold wide-ranging talks with two Welsh Assembly members with strong rural connections on the first day (Tuesday, August 19) of the three-day Pembrokeshire County Show near Haverfordwest.

Mr Vaughan will meet the Assembly's Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs Brynle Williams and local AM Paul Davies. "We will be discussing a variety of issues including milk price cuts in supermarkets, cost sharing proposals, TB, and sheep EID," said Mr Vaughan.

"Also, due to the AMs' keen interest in rural affairs, I will take the opportunity to raise the FUW's concerns about the lack of affordable rural housing and cuts in rural services, NVZ proposals, and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy."

Staff from the Environment Agency will once again be on the FUW stand between 11am and 2pm every day of the show to provide advice on how good farming practices can reduce the risk of pollution and can also help cut costs.

Guidance will be available on a wide range of issues including manure management, soil protection, nutrient management plans, clean and dirty water separation, sheep dip best practice and general pollution prevention.

"Why not call in for a chat and see how you could save money," said FUW Pembrokeshire county executive officer Rebecca Williams.

Representatives from the Land Registry will also be on the stand on the Tuesday and Wednesday to provide advice and information on how to register land with them and protect farmers' interests.

Currently, the Land Registry is offering a 25 per cent discount to all farmers who voluntarily register their land for the first time.

A meeting has been arranged with Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb MP and FUW officers on the Wednesday when the union we will be presenting the Pembrokeshire FUW Countryside Award in the main ring.

On the Thursday a team of three FUW members will take part in a sausage eating challenge organised by the YFC, with the NFU and Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society also competing. The FUW Endeavour Award to a Pembrokeshire College agriculture student will be presented on the same day.

The Farmers' Union of Wales will stage an "Ask the Minister" question and answer session on their stand at the Denbigh and Flint County Show at 2pm on Thursday (August 21).

The event will involve the Welsh Assembly Government's Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones. FUW members and visitors to the stand are welcome to ask any questions regarding the Minister's area of responsibility.

FUW's Denbigh and Flint county executive officer Gareth Wyn Jones said: "We appreciate the Minister taking time out of her busy schedule to take part in the question and answer session as part of our activities at the show.

"I'm sure that farmers, and those with an interest in rural issues, will take advantage of the opportunity to ask a Government Minister a question. There are many topical subjects, such as Bluetongue, CAP health-check, new entrants consultation, Rural Development Plan for Wales and many other issues that can be raised with the Minister during this event."

The Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to speak face to face with members of the rural community and look forward to discussing the issues that matter to them."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Further information about the event is available from Gareth Wyn Jones on 01824 707198 or 07795262126.

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Farmers will be able to learn more about Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) Wales' CEVAS course on hosting educational visits to farms at the Farmers' Union of Wales stand during the Denbigh and Flint County Show next Thursday (August 21).

A FACE Wales representative will be present on the stand to provide advice and information to farmers.

CEVAS involves all areas of hosting educational visits to farms, such as what schools are looking for, what a farm visit can offer, the health and safety aspects and how to make a visit effective, fun and educational to children.

The two-day course is similar to a scheme in England where 600 farmers have already completed their training.

A FACE Wales representative said: "I am looking forward to meeting farmers at the show to raise awareness of the CEVAS course. We appreciate that not all farmers will be interested, or wish to commit themselves at this stage to the course, but hope that we can provide farmers with more information on what the course is all about and the work that we do."

FUW's Denbigh and Flint county executive officer Gareth Wyn Jones said: "We welcome the chance to provide FACE Wales with the opportunity to provide visitors to our stand with information and advice on this important course.

"We believe that education plays a vital role in raising awareness of the agricultural industry as well as educating our children on food production, eating healthily, and on local produce. Children are our farmers of the future, as well as our future customers, so we therefore have a responsibility to educate the future generation."

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During Denbigh and Flint County Show (Thursday, August 21) the Farmers' Union of Wales will highlight the massive negative impact on rural motorists, businesses and farmers due to the current high fuel prices and the proposed changes to annual taxation of certain vehicles.

The union is urging the Chancellor to slash fuel tax and introduce a fairer vehicle taxation system for motorists who drive 4x4 and other vehicles out of necessity.

The union has written to Mr Darling and his predecessors on many occasions regarding the impact fuel duty and vehicle taxation has on the viability of Welsh rural businesses. It has regularly highlighted the need for an equitable system that reflects the unique needs of rural Wales.

FUW Denbigh and Flint county executive officer Gareth Wyn Jones said: "Although prices have stabilised in recent weeks, over the last six months we have seen the most significant rises in fuel prices in history.

"Nowhere have these rises impacted more than in rural Wales where the majority of domestic journeys must be made by car and businesses, particularly farm businesses, rely significantly upon diesel vehicles.

"Welsh rural businesses are also necessarily reliant upon 4x4 vehicles due to the Wales geography and topology, meaning that successive and intended hikes in the taxation classes of such vehicles has a disproportionate impact on rural families and businesses."

Information, as well as a display highlighting these concerns will be on display on the union's stand at the show, as well as an opportunity to discuss this subject during the "Farming and Rural Forum" also taking place on the stand.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, or to arrange an interview, contact Gareth Wyn Jones on 01824 707198 or 0779526212.

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The Farmers' Union of Wales will stage a "Farming and Rural Forum" at 11.30am on Thursday (August 21) on their stand at the Denbigh and Flint County Show.

The panel will comprise Clwyd West's Conservative MP David Jones; North Wales Liberal Democrats AM Eleanor Burnham; Plaid Cymru prospective parliamentary candidate Llyr Huws Gruffydd; Labour prospective European Parliament candidate Lisa Stevens; and a representative from the Young Farmers Movement.

FUW's Denbighshire county chairman Glyn Jones said: "When more and more pressure is put upon rural services, and with agriculture being the main industry and employer in these areas, the union strongly believes it is important for members, and residents in rural areas, to be given the opportunity to question and raise issues of concern with local, elected representatives from Cardiff Bay and Westminster and other local politicians.

"With no set agenda, we urge those attending the County Show to visit our stand at 11.30am to take part in this important forum. The issues raised, and discussed, will be dictated by those in attendance.

"This is an excellent opportunity to discuss local concerns with local politicians, and we hope for a good open debate on issues such as affordable housing, rural services, rural development, post office closures consultation, and much more.

The forum will be chaired by the FUW vice president Glyn Roberts.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, or to arrange an interview, contact Gareth Wyn Jones, County Executive Officer, on 01824 707198 or 07795262126.

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The Farmers' Union of Wales have unanimously branded the European Commission position on electronic identification of livestock (EID) as a 'tax on the EU sheep industry'.

FUW Denbighshire County Chairman Glyn Jones said: "The union has spent years fighting EID and has managed to delay its implementation significantly. However, the current position is that EID will be made compulsory in January 2010.

"This decision is made in spite of a recent EU report that highlights the severe plight of the sheep sector. With money being lost on every sheep, the extra cost of tagging, coupled with the extra time taken to conform with the legislation, will simply add to those losses - it's like taxing EU sheep producers while allowing other countries to import tax-free."

FUW hill farming committee chairman Derek Morgan added: "The EC's decision on this issue is completely illogical - I actually use EID on one of my flocks and the evidence from my farm, and the research from other farms in the UK, makes it clear that the only sensible approach is to allow a voluntary system. It would be completely uneconomical to use the system on my commercial hill flock."

FUW president Gareth Vaughan, who recently attended an International EID Conference in North Devon, said: "The FUW's resolve on this issue has not changed. We have fought against it for many years, have won major concessions, and are committed to continuing our fight.

"This includes making the Commission properly apply the principles of 'equivalence' to all imports into the EU - it is simply not right to make Welsh farmers pay for a costly system that has major drawbacks while allowing our competitors to import meat that has not had to comply with those standards."

NOTE TO EDITORS: At this week's Denbigh & Flint County Show farmers and members of the general public will have the opportunity to sign a petition opposing the compulsory introduction of EID, which compliments an ongoing petition set up by FUW vice president Glyn Roberts on the Prime Minister's website. The petition can be found at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/sheepEID/

A Welsh dairy farmers' leader is seething over a new milk price war in which Asda and Tesco have slashed their prices.

Asda has dropped the price of Cravendale milk from £1.56 for two litres to £1 and Tesco is selling Wiseman's branded milk at £1.06 for two litres - 10ppl cheaper than milk sourced from their own contracted farmers.

"With the plight of British dairy farmers already in such a fragile state, this latest price war is another huge nail in the coffin of the industry," said Farmers' Union of Wales milk committee chairman Eifion Huws, who supplies milk to Tesco's through their "localchoice" scheme.

"Until recently, most retailers had been selling two litres for around 40-50p more than these latest prices and I believe this has sparked fears that Iceland, Lidl, Aldi and other discounters will also drop their prices."

Promar farm and agri-food consultancy business recently revised their estimated cost of milk production for the current year (April 2008 to March 2009) as 27.8p per litre.

"But farmers remained confident that the farm-gate price of milk would rise to 30ppl this winter. Those hopes will now be dashed if this new price war lasts for several months," said Mr Huws.

"I urge farmers who supply Wiseman's through First Milk to question how long this deal with Tesco will last and how happy are they with it."

Back in 1995 the average selling price was 42.1ppl with the retailer taking a margin of 1.3p, the processor 16.3p while the farmer was paid 24.5p.

Last year the retail price rose to 51.6p, the retailers' margin spiralled to a massive 15.6p, the processors margin increased marginally to 18p but the farmers'' return was cut to 18p.

"According to statistics due to be released next week, farm input costs have soared by 30% in the past year," Mr Huws added.

"I understand the latest Agricultural Inflation Index will show dramatic price increases for major inputs including fuel, fertiliser and feed, as well as seed and machinery.

"With soaring costs of this nature an increase in farmgate prices are essential to stem the flow of milk producers leaving the industry. Such an increase has to be significant but that will be very difficult to achieve if milk becomes the subject of a prolonged price war."