Collection scheme is 'only solution' (From Gazette & Herald)

Collection scheme is 'only solution'

A COUNTRYSIDE business group has condemned the ban on on-farm burial of fallen stock as "a prime example of the worst excesses of red tape, having been devised and implemented by Brussels with no proper consultation with either farming or rural business interests".

However, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) recommends that the only realistic solution for farmers at this stage is to register their interest with DEFRA in support of the proposed collection scheme.

Regional director Dorothy Fairburn warned: "Without an effective and supportive scheme, fly-tipping will take on a new meaning as casualties become a liability to hard-pressed farmers. There would be a bio-security risk."

She added that only 30pc of farmers had so far pledged support in advance of the newly-extended May 28 deadline.

"There's no doubt," she said, "that non-members would face big bills for individual collections or risk prosecution and fines if they continued on-farm burials."

Animal health minister Elliot Morley said: "I am surprised by the response so far, particularly as we have had wide support from industry stakeholders, who believe this is an exceptionally good deal, which offers considerable savings to farmers.

"I must repeat that if we do not get 50pc of support, the subscription scheme will not go ahead."

Updated: 16:50 Wednesday, May 28, 2003