FARMINGUK M A R C H 2 0 1 3

In this edition:

BACK ISSUES • Badger cull “will not stop TB in cattle” says new research scan the code • Stop overfishing: MEPs vote for reform • EU farm reforms as voted by the Committee • Plus much, much more!

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3 CONTeNTs Badger cull “will not stop TB in cattle” says new research

New research conducted by conclusion is that their impact over available to us. Now, in the next Durham university has claimed the decades has been far less than few months, we will ensure that a 'widespread badger cull' will suggested" said Atkins. the pilot culls can be implemented have no impact in solving the effectively, in the best possible problem of tuberculosis in cattle. "Very carefully arranged culling may conditions, with the right resources" have a part to play alongside other Paterson said. It has been claimed that controlling measures in areas of particular badger numbers would reduce the prevalence such as South West "Having looked at all the evidence risk of TB in cattle and a cull is due England and South Wales, but my over many years, I am utterly to begin in the summer after the research suggests that extending the convinced that badger control is government announced a policy elsewhere may neither be the right thing to do, and indeed temporary ban in October. justified nor particularly effective. It the higher than expected badger certainly won't be a panacea." numbers only serve to underline Professor Peter Atkins, from the need for urgent action. I remain Durham University's Institute of After the October ban, the NFU fully committed to working with Hazard, Risk and Resilience has wrote to the Environment Secretary the farming industry to ensure investigated the spread of the Owen Paterson to request a that the pilot culls can be delivered disease in new research. commencement in the summer. effectively, safely and humanely next summer." "Badgers almost certainly play a part "The Government is determined to in spreading the disease, but my tackle bovine TB by all the means BTut AItkiTns claLimedE that 'no one' and join other badger groups, which The search for an adequate TB has yet proved which direction spreads the disease." vaccine for cattle continues, but the infection travels between badgers can be vaccinated now to Fspiresct ies and that the disease is a Following 2001's foot and mouth help prevent the spread of TB as an 'spillover' from cattle rather than crisis, different parts of the country alternative to culling. Banu lek ndemic condition. He also were restocked with cattle from claimed a cull could even the southwest, a traditional New government-backed research 'exacerbate the problem'. breeding area and that this has revealed that vaccinating badgers been a factor in the spread of bTB can reduce the level of TB within an "The Randomised Badger to regions that had previously had infected colony by 54%. Culling Trial, which ran from low incidence of it. 1998-2006 indicated complex, The results, which are from a interwoven patterns of infection A likely solution to the problem was four year study by the Food and and concluded badger culling said to lie in vaccination, but Environment Research Agency was unlikely to be effective for inoculating cattle for TB is forbidden (FERA), conflict the view that the future control of bTB." by EU rules as it would render culling badgers is the only

testing for the disease as ineffective, method to stop the disease. s "When badgers are disturbed, they because all vaccinated cattle would seem to perceive they are being test positive for it. "This report must be the final nail W attacked and move from their in the coffin of the plan to cull e original area by a kilometre or more badgers" said Philip Mansbridge, }} N

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     CEO of wildlife charity Care for the Wild.

"Pro-cull supporters claim that the disease can only be stopped if the so-called reservoir of disease within wildlife is reduced – this study shows that vaccination can achieve this."

But farming groups claim that a vaccine to help control TB in the future 'remains many years away'.

Unions such as the NFU have admitted a vaccine should be part of a package of measures to help control the disease but said that measure alone would not be enough to combat it.

"We need a package of measures to tackle TB and yes, cattle vaccine Adrian Reynolds: must be one of them. But as Defra’s Managing Partner at Duncan & Toplis chief vet Nigel Gibbens said cattle vaccine, and the tests and Kendall upbeat over regulations needed to put it in place across Europe, ‘may take years’. In farming future the meantime, the spread of TB is doubling every nine years" said NFU NFu President Peter kendall They also heard Andy Severn, Head President Peter Kendall. described uk agriculture as 'a of Tax at Duncan & Toplis, speak modern, exciting and high-tech about the need for farmers not to Professor Atkins has concluded industry' but he acknowledged the ignore inheritance tax. that the government should sector faced many challenges. take a more comprehensive "There is a very real need for approach to controlling TB: "The "There are many challenges farmers to review their particular assumption that badgers are facing agriculture as it grapples circumstances, to get their always responsible for this disease to improve food security, feed an housekeeping in order with regard in cattle has to be reviewed." ever increasing population and deal to the presentation of their accounts with changing weather patterns, as well as the partnership "If our analysis showing the market volatility caused by the agreement reflecting what the lack of disease persistence in supply and demand of commodities family operation actually does," medium and low density badger globally, political influences and the Severn said, stressing the populations is correct, the activities of speculators" he said. importance of seeking appropriate improvement of cattle controls professional advice. including improved testing, "There is a need for Common tighter movement controls Agricultural Policy reform but Adrian Reynolds, Managing and, eventually, a useable volatility in farm incomes needs Partner at Duncan & Toplis, vaccine should be enough to to be managed, and reform commented: "I was delighted to halt the spread. We should should not be to the detriment see so many people from the continue to investigate, and of the UK farmer compared to East Midlands agricultural sector cooperate with farmers over others elsewhere in Europe." at these events, and I'm sure that this problem." n they all took away some valuable More than 250 delegates information and insights." attended the two events, which were held at Greetham Valley near "I was especially pleased to be

Oakham and the Petwood Hotel in able to welcome such a prestigious s Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire figure as Peter Kendall to be our keynote speaker." n W e N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 7

Maize 'still the most cost effective feed'

Maize is still the most economic One of the biggest differences is "Maize is still the most consistent forage, according to a new analysis grass’s requirement for fertiliser and performer. Grass silage making in of Maize Growers Association nutrients which for a typical 300kg the wet conditions last year was (MGA) data carried out by N, 80kg P and 280Kg dressing per virtually impossible and compaction Grainseed Ltd. hectare accounts for over £700/ha. caused by the heavy forage And as fertiliser and input prices harvesters and trailers on soft Despite all last year’s problems, the continue to rise, this difference can ground and damage to field costings suggest maize is still the only grow, he says. entrances created a real problem. most reliable source of energy for dairy producers, delivering a tonne "If you look at wholecrop, in a good "If we had only grass and wholecrop of drymatter for nearly 20% less year with an ME at 10.2 Mj/KgDM, to rely on this winter, we would be than grass silage. each Megajoule of energy will cost in real trouble. Wheat averaged around 69p. Whereas this year with little over 7 tonnes of grain and 5 "The MGA estimates maize silage MEs of around 9.7 – 9.8 Mj/KgDM, tonnes of straw per hectare at an can be produced for around £69/DM each Megajoule from wholecrop average of 65% DM last year, giving tonne compared to £82/DM tonne costs more like 73p. That’s over 20% around 8 tonnes of DM per hectare. for grass silage - based on a 7 year more than maize." ley," says Grainseed technical "The crop of Ardent maize we director Neil Groom. Chairman of the MGA and harvested on 26th September SRUC Crichton Royal research yielded 37.5 tonnes at 29% DM "The best grass leys can produce a farm manager Hugh McClymont giving around 11 tonnes of DM per Megajoule of energy for around 75p agrees saying maize produced hectare – nearly 40% more than the whereas modern 'Bred for Britain' nearly 40% more drymatter per wholecrop. And that’s before you early maize varieties can hectare than wholecrop in last even factor the crop’s considerably s consistently produce a Megajoule year's difficult conditions. higher energy content." n W

for just over 60p." e N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 9

Stop overfishing: MEPs vote for reform

A major reform of the eu's plenary sets out clear and strong stop overfishing by ending discards Common Fisheries Policy measures to tackle this problem. (CFP) which aims to cut fishing Discards - fish thrown back, to sustainable stock levels, end "We have shown today that usually because they are of an dumping at sea, and base long- the European Parliament is unwanted species or size - account term planning on sound scientific anything but toothless. We for almost a quarter of total EU data, was approved by Parliament have used our power as a catches. Most of the discarded on Wednesday. co-legislator, for the first time in species die. To end this wasteful fisheries policy, to put a stop to practice, MEPs voted to oblige Overfishing is widely seen as the overfishing. Fish stocks should fishing vessels to land all catches in worst failure of the current CFP, recover by 2020, enabling us to accordance with a schedule of dating from 2002. The new one is take 15 million tonnes more fish, specific dates for different fisheries, to take effect in 2014. and create 37,000 new jobs", starting from 2014.

said fisheries reform rapporteur s European Commission figures Ulrike Rodust (S&D, DE). Her Landed catches of fish that are suggest that 80% of Mediterranean report was adopted by 502 votes undersized, for example, would W stocks and 47% of Atlantic ones are to 137, with 27 abstentions. be restricted to uses other than e overfished. The reform voted in human consumption. Member }} N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 11

Horse meat found in Lancashire school meals

schools in the Lancashire area have had their frozen beef supply suspended after the county council carried out tests which revealed traces of horsemeat in two products.

The council, which is working on a national level with the Food Standards Agency, chose to carry out tests for traces of horsemeat in all the products supplied to schools in the area after labelling concerns were raised.

A pre-prepared cottage pie used in 10% of primary schools in Lancashire and a halal beef burger which was available in four schools in the county tested positive for traces of horsemeat.

All affected schools have been contacted and informed.

Frozen processed beef products make up a small proportion of the states must ensure that fishing ensure that fishing stays sustainable. school menu as most meals are vessels comply with the discard ban. Taking a longer term approach prepared using beef from local should improve market suppliers. Respect maximum sustainable yield predictability, which in turn should help the industry to invest better "I hope that parents and children From 2015, EU member states and plan ahead. Multi-annual plans can be reassured by the advice will be prevented from setting will be based on more reliable and that this isn’t a food safety issue, quotas that are too high to be accurate scientific data, which EU however it is frankly appalling sustainable. Fishermen will have member states will be obliged to that we have found horsemeat to respect the "maximum collect and make available. in two products which were sustainable yield" (MSY), i.e. supposedly 100 percent beef" catch no more than a given stock Next steps said Geoff Driver, leader of the can reproduce in a given year. Lancashire County Council. In today's vote, MEPs sought to Parliament will now start ensure that stocks recover by 2020 negotiations with the Council and The county council has undertaken to above MSY levels and sustain the Commission on the reform plans a variety of tests for horse DNA in them thereafter. Ultimately this before their second reading. The meat products at its Preston should mean more fish, better Irish Presidency of the Council has laboratory, reporting the results to catches and hence more jobs in repeatedly said it hopes to achieve the Food Standards Agency. the fishing industry. an agreement the end of June. n The affected schools have been Long-term planning to replace made aware of the test results s yearly quota-haggling and, as a precaution, the council has also suspended a halal lamb burger, W The reform will rely on multi-annual manufactured on the same premises e fish stock management plans to as the beefburger, from its menu. n N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 13

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The operating environment for The report identifies the burgeoning population and rising food and agriculture companies is dedicated supply chain model agri commodity prices) are being becoming increasingly complex as as the best next step for food compounded by a new set of new external influences compound and agriculture companies. external influences. rising commodity prices. This structure has the potential The direct use of agri commodities The flaws in the current supply to revolutionize the industry by for biofuel production and an chain structure is leaving the sector making it more productive, increased awareness of the energy ill equipped to respond to this new innovative, safe and sustainable; intensity of food production, for complexity, according to a report. all of which will be vital if the sector example, have embroiled F&A is to deliver food security to a future companies in an ongoing food vs. It calls for the industry to transform global population of 9 billion. fuel debate. the way supply chains are organized, by adopting longer-term supply Limitations of the current structure Similarly, speculation in agri s agreements and, cooperative commodity markets and the relationships with upstream and Traditional pressures on the F&A regulatory responses this has W downstream partners. (food and agriculture) industry triggered from governments e (supply and demand dynamics, a worldwide, has added to the }} N

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complexity of the environment in cause more environmental of this sort will transform the which the sector operates. degradation than is necessary. nature of F&A partnerships from transactional ones that are centered These new pressures also serve to Adding value through closer around chasing price, to a system exacerbate the flaws in the current cooperation focused on creating value". supply chain model. Rabobank believes that switching The advantages of dedicated The dominant supply chain model is to a new supply chain model has supply chains over the current currently structured in a linear the potential to transform the system are manifold. Companies fashion, in which suppliers, F&A industry. embracing this thinking will benefit processors and retailers form short- in the following ways: term partnerships independent from In a dedicated supply chain the influence and interests of other structure, upstream suppliers and Reduced risk members of the chain. processors enter into long-term partnerships with each other and a Longer term, more stable agreements This model is highly inefficient, downstream chain leader. Crucially, reduce exposure to price volatility, restricting F&A companies’ ability to information and insights are shared whilst shared insights will enable

respond to changes in supply and along the chain’s length for the players to better react to market risks s demand dynamics, whilst fleeting benefit of all members. partnerships limit productivity and Improved productivity W restrict innovation. This system also Justin Sherrard, Rabobank Global e results in wasteful processes that Strategist said "Closer cooperation Better insights into chain }} N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 17

Figure 1.1: Agri commodity price spikes of recent years are expected to continue requirements improve process Adopting the dedicated supply chain already active in this space, such as efficiency and partners can also model positions F&A companies for Mars' decision to release the cocoa work together to finds ways to longer-term growth, as the sector genome sequence into the public limit or reuse waste rises to meet the over-arching domain as part of its broader challenge to feed the world in commitment to sustainably sourcing Access to new markets coming decades. all cocoa purchases by 2020.

Better insights into downstream Making the change Furthermore, sector leaders needs and opportunities can undertaking such initiatives must better inform product innovation The report encourages the industry become advocates for dedicated and help companies to grow to abandon its preoccupation with supply chains, by sharing their footprints in new markets short-term price spikes. Rabobank experiences with the wider industry. believes that a model based on enhanced brand and reputation chasing price is a narrow approach Gilles Boumeester, Rabobank Global that will restrict the ability of F&A Head Food & Agri Coverage Companies with ambitious companies to realize their growth commented, "F&A financing CSR targets can help their objectives in this more complex and institutions also have a role to play partners on other product demanding environment. in creating an environment that is attributes, such as sustainability conducive to adopting this new The report calls for prominent F&A model. To this end Rabobank is Improved access to capita l brands to show leadership, through developing new financing solutions creating initiatives that will lead to that support and encourage In addition to better cash flows closer cooperation between their companies embracing dedicated and stronger credit ratings, upstream partners. supply chain thinking". n s members can access new W

financing models that provide The report cites several examples of e leverage from chain partners leading F&A companies that are N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 19 Gavin Davies (left) in front of the 0.5 MW biogas plant on his 500 cow dairy farm in Wiltshire ‘‘WithWith long-termlong-term iincomencome aandnd ssavings,avings, iinvestingnvesting in biogasbiogas wwasas a no-brainer.’no-brainer.’ GavinGavviin Davies,Davviies, FarmsFaFarms ManagerManager

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Log imports to China were off to a Log imports for the full year were In the second half of 2012, the slow start in 2012 but in the second down 15 percent from 2011, which two countries shipped about 4.8 half of the year, shipments picked was the first year- over-year decline million m3 each. up with New Zealand and the us since 2008. From 2008 to 2011, gaining the biggest market shares, China’s imports increased by as The average import value of New reports the Wood Resource much as 70 percent to a record 30 Zealand Radiata pine in the 4Q/12 Quarterly. The Chinese domestic million m3 in 2011. was up a few dollars from the log market also heated up, with log previous quarter, reaching the prices reaching record high levels. Despite the decline in 2012, the highest level seen since 3Q/11, total import volume was still the while the average value for most Seattle, USA. Demand for imported second highest on record. And other species remained unchanged softwood logs in China increased in for the month of December, there in the last quarter of 2012. the second half of 2012 after declining have never been more logs during the first six months of the year. unloaded in Chinese ports than in Domestic log prices in China on the the December of 2012. other hand, continued their upward Total imports in the 2H/12 were up trend with Chinese fir log prices nine percent, but the increase was The most dramatic shift in log being up 13 percent from 4Q/11 to not equally distributed between supply sources for China over the 4Q/12 to reach an all-time high, supplying countries. past few years has been the according to the WRQ. Prices for diminished exports from Russia and other commonly used species such Shipments from New Zealand and the sharp increase in log volumes as Mongolian pine, larch, poplar and the US were up 29 percent and 20 entering from New Zealand. Just five birch were also at record high levels percent, respectively, while Russian years ago, China imported as much during the 4Q/12. n exports to China fell nine percent in as 21 million m3 of softwood logs s the 2H/12 as compared to the from Russia and only 1.2 million m3 W

1H/12, reports in the Wood from New Zealand. e Resource Quarterly. N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 21

Police raid slaughterhouse on eve of EU meeting

Police and food standards officials The Agency and the police are "The FSA are in the process of have raided premises in West looking into the circumstances establishing the customers of the Yorkshire and Wales on the eve through which meat products, Welsh business so that the of an eu emergency meeting. purporting to be beef for kebabs necessary action can be taken to and burgers, were sold when they recall and recover products sold that Property has been detained and work were in fact horse. may be contaminated." suspended at Peter Boddy Licensed Slaughterhouse in West Yorkshire "West Yorkshire and Dyfed-Powys The FSA has suspended operations and Farmbox Meats Ltd in Wales. police entered the premises with at both these plants. Both West the FSA." Yorkshire and Dyfed-Powys police Environment Secretary Owen have entered the premises with the Paterson said the situation is "The FSA has suspended operations FSA. The FSA has detained all meat 'absolutely shocking'. at both these plants while their found and seized paperwork,

investigations continue. The FSA has including customer lists from the s "It’s totally unacceptable if any detained all meat found and seized two companies. business in the UK is defrauding the paperwork, including customer lists W public by passing off horsemeat as from the two companies." "I ordered an audit of all horse e beef" the minister said. producing abattoirs in the UK }} N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 23 "Please buy from your local farmer, butcher or look for the Red Tractor logo on all the fresh meat you buy...”

Mike sanderson NFu Cumbrian Country Adviser

after this issue first arose last month food safety and quality, Geldard has called for an alliance and I was shocked to uncover what transparency and food labelling, and between farming groups to support appears to be a blatant misleading as regards cross-border fraud and food producers. of consumers" said Andrew Rhodes, crime" he said. FSA Director of Operations. "It is clear the farmer’s voice is not "Concerns about the regulatory being heard well enough by the "I have suspended both system, product labelling and how Government and Farming Ministers, plants immediately while our this alleged fraud could have been yet we are the foundation of the food investigations continue." allowed to happen in the EU's supply chain, without whom the internal market, must be addressed consumer would be hungry" he said. Alun Davies, Welsh Government without delay." Minister for Agriculture, said: "The horsemeat scandal and lack of "Integrity and trust are essential in "The time has come to see farming consultation in finding the food chain. I would be appalled mandatory country-of-origin solutions and future-proofing secure if these allegations are proven. The labelling for all meat, including food supplies shows existing Welsh Government is working meat used as an ingredient in communication between farmers closely with Defra and the FSA to processed food. This should include and Government is inadequate. I see ensure this matter is dealt with place of birth, rearing and slaughter. this as the catalyst to create a new swiftly and decisively." Current EU rules only require alliance of farmer organisations that country labelling for unprocessed can support Government in meeting EU ministers held a meeting beef. The Greens had called for full our future food challenges." in Brussels to deal with the origin labelling on meat products in fallout from the horsemeat 2010 but this was foolishly refused The fear of eating contaminated scandal as investigations in by EU governments." beef has caused many shoppers France and the UK continued. to be wary of all meat sold The National Sheep Association in supermarkets. Keith Taylor MEP called for a change has said the horsemeat scandal is in EU law to allow consumers to see the latest evidence against Current impacts on farmers have where their meat comes from. government cuts in infrastructure been minimal. The average farm gate and regulatory enforcement. deadweight beef price has moved by "The Horsemeat scandal exposes less than 3p/kg between last week major questions over EU rules on Chairman of the association John and the week prior to the issue breaking. Slaughtering volumes have prevent further cheating by cross- "This disappoints us because increased over this period. border meat suppliers who have some retailers, as well as some substituted beef with cheap, of their suppliers, have quite NFU Cumbrian County Adviser, Mike unregulated horse meat. obviously been too relaxed about Sanderson, said: "When the issue the origin, even the species, of broke, the NFU immediately "This can be done if consumers some of the meat in their processed contacted major retailers to express insist that the fresh beef and products and beef farmers believe our anger and disappointment that manufactured beef they buy is taken the multiples can help restore their actions and the actions of their exclusively from cattle born, reared, consumer faith in their judgement suppliers had undermined the hard and processed in the UK," explained if they make more effort to highlight work of farmers in producing NBA national director Chris Mallon. the origin, and superior integrity, quality, traceable produce." of domestic beef, and domestically "The integrity of their product manufactured beef products." "This whole system of quality is contrasts hugely with the horsemeat being completely undermined by which that has infiltrated the CLA Midlands Rural Advisor Donna failures within the supply chain and domestic food chain as a result of Tavernor said: "The revelations that reinforces my organisation’s call for careless, or unscrupulous, actions some processed beef contained up clearer labelling and a commitment undertaken by participants in a to 100 percent horse meat came from retailers to British produce." supply chain which is understood to as a shock, and it underlines what cover companies in Poland, we have been saying for years – "In the meantime, please buy from Luxembourg, Romania, France and that shopping locally brings not your local farmer, butcher or look the Republic of Ireland." just better tasting, fresher food, for the Red Tractor logo on all the but is also traceable." fresh meat you buy. Trust me, this is Retailers have been criticised over the only way you can be sure that their scrutiny of the product as well "Buying local ensure that the meat the products you're feeding your as the price they pay for the meat. you have brought is of high welfare family have been produced to standards and supports our British world-class standards which are They are 'in danger of losing farmers. Of course, some farms s independently inspected. their reputations' if more meat even sell meat direct through their products have to be withdrawn own farm shops." n W e Farmers and consumers have also according to Mallon. been urged to work together to N MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 25 *‘We researched the entire globe to fi nd the best containment system for Anaerobic Digestion plants and found that the Lipp system in our opinion was in a different league in terms of quality, technical realisation and performance compared to any other tanking system we looked at.’ Andy Shedden, BCI Process European Sales & Marketing Manager.

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MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 27 Commission amending honey law to hide GM pollen eu Member states are set to A year later the Commission Beekeepers say that by insisting discuss the Commission's proposal proposed an amendment to the that pollen is a constituent of to amend the Honey Directive in Honey Directive reclassifying pollen honey rather than an ingredient what is widely believed to be an as a “constituent” of honey, not an the Commission is repeating a attempt to circumvent the ingredient, which has a considerable "substantive factual error" it european Court of Justice (eCJ) and impact on labelling. first used (without success) in hide the presence of GM pollen the ECJ case. from consumers. Under GM rules each GM ingredient in a product must be listed on the In a strongly worded statement The discussion, which will take place label. Under the Commission’s issued in January 2013 a dozen at the Council of Europe's Working proposed changes to the Honey European beekeeper and farming Party on Foodstuffs, is the latest Directive GM pollen would still have groups demanded the ECJ ruling be development in the long story of to be authorised as food before it implemented in full saying, "There is GM pollen in honey. could be sold, but GM pollen would a clear attempt by the Commission have to make up more than 0.9% of to circumvent the Court ruling." In September 2011 the ECJ ruled that the total weight of the honey itself pollen is an ingredient of honey and before it would have to be labelled - Honeybees forage widely (up to that honey containing GM pollen a circumstance that is unlikely ever several miles) for pollen, which they must follow GM regulations, meaning to arise as total pollen weight in need as protein source. Colonies it cannot be sold without full food honey is normally around 0.1%. concentrate their efforts on pollen authorisation and GM labels. rich plants, such as oilseed rape, honeybees for food security and the rural economy."

"Consumer pressure forced retailers to remove GM ingredients from their products years ago and EU labelling laws have kept them out. If the Commission’s proposal is successful people will not be able to make an informed choice when they buy honey or food containing honey."

“Europe's politicians must stand up to the Commission and biotech industry, give this proposal the boot and adhere to the ruling of the European Court of Justice. This would inevitably mean enacting solid laws on how and where GM crops can be used to enable all foods to be produced without GM contamination."

Phil Chandler added: "Honey consumers expect a pure and TnatIurTal proLductE and will not want GM pollen as an added extra." which benefits farmers by enhancing putting them in reach of GM pollen, "Beekeepers and honeybees are pollination rates in their crops - as but this may not always be possible." facing huge challenges at present much as 20% in oilseed rape. with pesticide contamination, First "The Commission is proposing to parasites and diseases threatening These pollination services are vital legitimise GM contamination of their very existence. GM Bfourl kEuropean agriculture and are honey and hide it from the public." contamination could be the last worth some €22 billion per year. straw for both bees and beekeepers. If the Commission’s proposal is If this happens European farmers Phil Chandler, Director of Friends successful GM pollen in honey may will be one of the main losers. of Bees and author of the Barefoot become routine and legal, Apples and most other top fruit, as Beekeeper, said: "Many crops rely effectively preventing this well as many seed crops, need a on beehives being placed nearby contamination from being used as strong and healthy bee population to help with pollination and to grounds to strengthen 'coexistence' to pollinate them and will be boost yields." rules that protect non-GM food and compromised if there are not crops from GM contamination. enough bees around." "To some extent beekeepers can

decide what pollen is present in GM Freeze Campaign Director Pete "Beekeepers and honey lovers need s their honey by where hives are Riley commented: "The EC is to unite and tell the EC that bees located, and because of the dangers bending over backwards to help the and honey need protection from W of insecticides present in many GM biotech companies and is ignoring GM contamination, not legislation e crops, they will choose to avoid the long-term importance of that attempts to hide it." n N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 29 RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR FARMERS According to the research, over a quarter of farmers see rising costs as the single biggest threat to their business in the next five years. Almost a third expect the move towards renewables to reduce their business costs or generate an income of between £5,000 to £20,000 a year. Source: www.thebioenergysite.com

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www.eclipseenergy.co.uk Arable farmers continue to move to minimum tillage crop

Arable farmers are continuing to and looking to the tine/disc/press also finding interest is growing in move to minimum tillage crop format of the Sumo Trio one-pass trailed 3m units, as opposed to the establishment, while some early cultivator to combine deep standard mounted models." adopters of the system are now at loosening, seedbed creation and the stage where they are upgrading consolidation in a single pass." "With a new branch at Stockton-on- their equipment on the back of Tees, following our purchase of strong combinable crop prices. "But others have been committed the EA Clayton business, when to minimum tillage for some time, added to our other branches at That's been the experience of and have found the system works Keighley and Hull, we’ve now got farm machinery dealer Ripon well for them. Many of those are a wider area across which to offer Farm Services, which covers now trading in their original Trios the Sumo range." territory across Yorkshire and to benefit from the latest design Cleveland, and has holds the of current models, which feature "The way Sumo equipment is made area franchise for drill and tillage ultra-low draught subsoiler legs shows in the second-hand condition machinery manufacturer Sumo. with auto-reset, improved point of the Trios we have taken in, which choices, disc scrapers and a has been very good. As a result, Iain McPherson, sales manager redesigned Multipacka." second-hand demand is high and at Ripon Farm Services Tadcaster prices are strong. And the level of branch, says that their sales of Sumo "We've sold a lot of 3m mounted trade we do in Sumo wearing parts equipment continue to climb. Trios from our Ripon and Darrington suggests customers are keen to s

branches and, from Tadcaster in maintain these values by refitting W

"In many instances farmers are particular, there’s been a demand their Sumo equipment with genuine e

moving on from simple sets of discs, for 2.5m units as well as 3m. We're spares," he adds. n N

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Newquip Limited · NQ House · Conygarth Way Leeming Bar Business Park · Leeming Bar · Northallerton · North Yorkshire DL7 9EE Tel. 01677 428600 · [email protected] EU farm reforms as voted by the Committee

Agriculture Committee Who will get direct payments, and It should be up to member states to MePs set out their position who will not? extend the list of excluded entities on eu farm policy reform in (the "negative list"), on objective texts voted on Wednesday The precise definition of an "active and non-discriminatory grounds and and Thursday, after more than farmer", i.e. the entity entitled to after notifying the Commission, says a year's worth of debates with receive EU-funded direct payments, the committee. farmers, cooperatives, eu should be decided by member agriculture ministers, MPs, states and not by the EU, says This greatly simplifies the experts and academics. the committee. Commission's original proposal, which defined "non-farmers" as This position will pave the However, some entities, such as those whose income from direct way for negotiations with EU transport and real estate payments amounts to less than 5% member states. companies, airports, sports clubs, of their total receipts from non- campsite operators, mining agricultural activities (excluding These payments provide farmers companies or other non-agricultural those who get less than €5,000 in with a safety net in the form of a enterprises, to be defined by direct payment income). basic income support, decoupled member states, should from production, to stabilise their automatically be excluded from How to allocate direct payments income from sales on the markets, these definitions unless they can more fairly which are subject to volatility. prove that their agricultural activities form a significant part of MEPs want the levels of payments Direct payments also help to provide their overall economic activities, to farmers to be rebalanced among basic public goods delivered through MEPs add. member states slightly faster sustainable farming. than originally proposed by the European Commission. The committee agreed that member As of 2019, payments received by all farms receiving between €150,000 states with direct payments per farmers in any given member state and €200,000 would be cut by 20%. hectare below 70% of the EU are to be based on a uniform unit average (down from the Commission value, as proposed by the Other amendments, seeking proposal of 90%) should see the Commission, but could nonetheless to reduce payments to bigger shortfall reduced by 30%. in some cases deviate from the farms even more, or on the average by up to 20% so as to avoid contrary calling for the capping to In member states with direct sudden sharp falls in support, says be completely rejected, failed to payments amounting to 70% - 80% the committee. win the support of a majority in of the EU average, the shortfall committee. MEPs nonetheless should be reduced by 25% and in However, where payments are adapted the rules proposed by those with over 80% of the EU reduced, their level in 2019 the Commission so as to exclude average, by 10%. may not be more than 30% below cooperatives and other groups that of 2014. of farmers who distribute This measure should ensure that payments received to their farmers in no member state receive Capping direct payments members and ensure that capped less than 65% of the EU average. money remains in the region where MEPs endorsed Commission it was capped and is used for rural By contrast, to achieve greater proposals to cap direct payments to development programmes. consistency and convergence of any one farm at €300,000, reduce direct payment rates within member payments to those receiving environmental protection s states, the committee slightly between €250,000 and €300,000 by relaxed the rules to balance 70%, and payments to those New environmental rules for W e payments among farmers within any receiving between €200,000 and farmers should be more flexible given one. €250,000 by 40%. Payments to and linked to the size of the }} N MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 35 DJURYLVWD JURZLQJWKURXJKLQQRYDWLRQ

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  holding, says the committee. The for all farmers cultivating more adding that exceptions should be three key measures proposed by the than 3 ha, as proposed by the possible for carbon-rich soils, Commission - crop diversification, Commission). None of these crops wetlands, semi-natural grasslands maintaining existing permanent should cover more than 80% (as and pastures. grassland and permanent pasture compared to 70%) of the arable land. and ecological focus areas - would ecological focus areas remain, but certain exceptions Farms of more than 30 ha of arable should be made to reflect land should be required to cultivate Initially, - during the first year's geographical conditions and size of three crops with the main one application of the new rules, holding, say MEPs. covering not more than 75% and farmers with more than 10 ha of two main crops together not more arable land would have to ensure Farmers whose holdings are than 95% of the arable land. that 3% (rather than 7% as proposed certified under national or regional by the Commission), excluding environmental certification Holdings in northern Scandinavia permanent grassland, permanent schemes, and hence are already (north of the 62nd parallel) with pasture and permanent crops, is using environment-friendly more than 30 hectares of arable reserved for so-called "ecological practices, would be exempt from land should be exempt. focus areas" (EFAs). mandatory greening measures on condition that these practices have Permanent grassland and EFAs could include, for example, an impact at least equivalent to that permanent pasture land left fallow, terraces, landscape which the mandatory greening features including hedgerows, measures would have. Member states must ensure that the ditches, stone walls, in field trees, share of land under permanent ponds, land planted with nitrogen- Crop diversification grass and permanent pasture is fixing crops, buffer strips and

maintained at national, regional or afforested areas. Farmers could use s Farmers with holdings of 10 ha - 30 sub-regional level, to be decided by EFAs for production provided they ha of arable land should be required member states. Up to 5% and in do not use pesticides or fertilisers W to plant at least two different crops exceptional circumstances up to 7% on them, MEPs stress. }} e (rather than requiring three crops could be converted, MEPs say, N

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The dairy plant in Newcastle Emlyn, West Wales, is owned by Saputo and manufactures cheese, milk, yogurt and other dairy products that are exported around the world.

The company said it was also closing another plant based in Heiden, Germany. Both the German and Welsh plant were bought by the company in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

"The past few years have been a learning and challenging experience," said a company spokesperson.

The firm's founder and chairman, Emanuele Saputo, told BBC Wales that the company had found the market for dairy products to be EFAs could be weighted on the basis More money for optional greening "marginal at best and highly of their ecological significance. measures competitive". Weighting coefficients should be drawn up by member states and To further support greening efforts, "We felt that the amount of time approved by the Commission. The the committee raised the ceiling on and energy it takes us to manage EFAs should be expanded as of 1 EU co-financing of agri- the business perhaps would be January 2016 to cover 5% of arable environmental and climate better utilised in other markets, land, says the committee. measures by 5%. where the margins are much more substantial." By the end of March 2017, the This would make less-developed and Commission would have to present an outermost regions and also the NFU Cymru Deputy President evaluation report and if necessary a Aegean islands, eligible for up to Stephen James, a dairy farmer legislative proposal to further 90% co-financing (as compared to himself, said: "This news is increase the percentage to 7%. This 85% proposed by the Commission). undoubtedly a big blow to the area, proposal, if tabled, would be subject For other regions, the co-funding as Saputo is a major employer in a to approval by both the European ceiling would be set at 55% (as very rural area of Wales. Our Parliament and the Council. compared to 50%). thoughts are with those whose jobs are at risk." The committee backs Commission At least 25% of the total spending plans to make 30% of the national earmarked for rural development "It's imperative that all options are budget for direct payments programmes would have to be now explored to keep operations conditional upon compliance with reserved for agri-environmental and going and to keep workers in jobs - greening measures. Farmers who fail climate measures and support for whether this is through finding a to comply would lose the "greening" organic farming. n potential buyer or through a local s funds, but should not face further co-operative model." n W

reductions in their remaining direct e payments, MEPs decided. N

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CallCall usus on:onn:: +44 (0)845 871871 4242 FollowFollow uus:s: Supermarkets adopted 'bullying culture' says Mallon supermarkets and the public are "Supermarkets shouldn’t be It is a view shared by the National paying the price for the purchasing blamed. British supermarkets have Pig Association who recently blamed tactics deployed by retailers for got a fantastic reputation for food 'supermarket greed' for the horse decades according to the National safety" Walker told the BBC's meat scandal. Beef Association. Andrew Marr Show. The fear of eating contaminated beef "They adopted a bullying culture "If we're going to blame somebody, has caused many shoppers to be wary aimed exclusively at securing as let's start with local authorities of all meat sold in supermarkets. much farm food as possible" said because there's a whole side of this Chris Mallon, NBA national director. industry which is invisible, that's the Farming groups have blamed retailers catering industry. who 'habitually drive down meat "The result is tortured supply chains prices' below the cost of production that add so much unnecessary cost "Schools, hospitals, it's a massive causing a lapse in quality or an that short cuts on quality and business for cheap food and local adulterated content of the product. traceability, and even cheating by authorities award contracts based some suppliers, was inevitable". purely on one thing: price.” "Where on earth do they think this cheap euromeat is coming from?" But the chief executive of Iceland Mallon called for a reverse in the demanded Richard Longthorp, supermarket chain Malcolm Walker 'misguided tactics' in food supply chairman of the NPA. said the horse meat scandal is a chains. "This can only be done if a problem not caused by supermarkets real and permanent effort is made "If you consistently buy something s but by local authorities and the to correct decades of misapplied below the price at which it can be W

catering industry. endeavour and a new approach to produced, you must know that e }}

food purchasing is adopted." corners have been cut in quality, N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 41

"If we're going to blame somebody, let's start with local authorities” said Malcolm Walker, the chief executive of Iceland supermarket chain.

or safety, or legality, or all three." Retailers have confirmed to "The squeezing of their Environment Secretary Owen suppliers margins and the Mallon said: "The multiples must Paterson that they expect the relentless search for profit start by focussing as much buying as majority of their tests on processed through buying cheaper product possible on the high quality, high beef products to be completed is the reason horsemeat is in their provenance, food that is grown on by Friday. products" the association said. nearby British farms. If they do this they can secure both current and Retailers and the British Retail "The supermarkets spend millions future supplies of essential products Consortium (BRC) met Paterson for on creating and protecting their as long as they also make sure that the first time since test results brand but what is behind that brand all participants in the supply chain covering 65% of the targeted is reflected in their own brand adequately cover their costs." products were published Friday. economy burgers. They are brands are funded by the exploitation of "One of the most immediate moves Speaking after the meeting, the the consumer and the supplier. should be the elimination of profit BRC also said that retailers are taking, middlemen, like processors doing all they can to engage with "Supermarket own brands who add avoidable cost to the consumers on the issue and contained horsemeat and as such it supply system at the same time, as establish the extent and causes is their name on the packet and has been made obvious over the last of failures in the supply chain. their responsibility to be sure what month, they reduce the control is in the product. They cannot blame retailers should have over the origin The last report said five brands tested anyone other than their own buying and provenance of their purchases." positive for horse meat against the policies for their failure to supply Food Standards Agency's threshold. their consumers with what it says on "The on-going horsemeat scandal These are the five own brand the label." has demonstrated conclusively that products that have already been consumers only get what they pay for notified to the FSA and withdrawn British Retail Consortium Director and that continued price reduction from sale over the same period. General Helen Dickinson said: will jeopardise food quality". "Test results have continued to

Failures in the supply chains of come in over the weekend. The s "Concentrating on cheapness is supermarkets were highlighted by labs are working flat out and our myopic. In real terms British consumers farming groups like the National members are confident that the W are currently paying 20 per cent less Beef Association. vast majority of testing will be e for food than they did a decade ago." completed by Friday." n N

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Repairing pasture a priority this spring

Grassland farmers need to plan Damage ground by the process of frost remedial field work now to prevent heave. If the land is fit to travel, the forage shortfalls next winter says "Many fields have suffered only option is to try to roll the plants Rod Bonshor, general manager for from prolonged flooding, damage back down into the soil before they Oliver seeds. from vehicles or poaching by die. If already dead, the affected livestock. Grass dies if covered by patches will need overseeding." "While many farmers are quite water for too long, and you don’t rightly focussed on the daily tasks have to travel too far to see "Grass leys are like a bank, if of feeding and eking out current gateways and areas around water you don’t invest in them you forage stocks, they also need to troughs in a mess." won’t get a return. Introducing think about how to bolster new, modern varieties this spring grassland productivity this spring "Significantly damaged areas should as full reseeds or repairing damaged and summer," said Bonshor. be over-seeded as a priority before areas, will produce greater yields unproductive weed grasses, like of higher quality grass which can "Around 20% of the seed purchased annual meadow grass and bents, be used to replenish the feed-stores by farmers to sow last autumn never take hold. Perennial weeds like for next winter." n made it into the ground." docks will also take advantage if soil is left bare too long." "Luckily, unlike cereals where there are specific winter and spring "Any new leys that were sown last varieties, all cool temperate grasses autumn need checking for damage used in UK mixtures will germinate too. If the winter water table was successfully when sown from March high, the young grass plants are to September in good growing weather. likely to be shallow rooted." s

Drilling the seed this spring will be W

fine as long as it has been stored in a "When the cold snap came they e

cool, dry place over winter." could have been pushed out of the N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 45

Local butchers see trade increase amid horse meat scandal

The Butchers Q Guild, a Traceability standards for burgers in particular, from their local membership organisation of over beef products are the subject supermarket." 100 independent butchers around of debate as news emerged over the uk, have said sales figures from the content of meat products in The National Beef Association, who all their members have increased. UK and Irish supermarkets. have campaigned for more stringent labeling of beef products, Butcher Brindon Addy has s But Addy, who owns J. Brindon Addy highlighted the issue of undervalued een a 10% increase in trade Butchers and is national chairman of beef sold in larger supermarkets. since the horse meat scandal the Butchers Q Guild said: "We were was first revealed, with beef selling some 200 burgers per week "At the moment we are led to burger sales up 30%. before the horse meat scare – now believe that no one in the it’s up to around the 300 mark." manufacturing process was aware of "Consumers are heading back to the horse meat been sold as beef, it s

high street following the scare, "I think consumers have become makes one wonder when the W

which has dented consumer trust in more aware that there isn't processors were purchasing this e }} the major supermarkets" said Addy. transparency in purchasing meat, bargain beef raw material that N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 47 no one thought how can we be getting this beef at such a bargain price?" the association queried.

Meat from local butchers are often sourced from local farms.

A pledge that beef products are free of horse meat is a promise 'supermarkets can't guarantee' Addy said.

Findus is the latest company to be caught up in the controversy surrounding contamination of meat products, which has affected companies in the UK, Irish Republic, Poland and France.

The company removed one of its Kendall in products, which in some cases contained 100% horse meat rather than beef. second term "We believe that these two particular cases - the frozen burgers from Tesco and the lasagne from as EU food Findus - are linked to suppliers in Ireland and France respectively" the Food Standards Agency said. chairman "We are working closely with the authorities in these countries to get NFu President Peter kendall has "Regulation in one country alone to the root of the problem." been endorsed for a further two will not prevent abuses in the supply year term as chairman of the Copa- chain across borders. When we have Addy said: "Q Guild butchers can Cogeca Food Chain Working Party significant price pressure, and long show the provenance of all the that represents eu farming unions. and complicated food supply chains, products they sell and we pride there are opportunities for some ourselves on being able to deliver Kendall, continuing in the role processing and retailing operators to from farm to plate and in knowing he started in 2010, said he was cut corners which is completely every step of the process." ready to push forward with unacceptable; the current issue with 'significant progress already horsemeat in the supply chain is a "More and more customers made' at the EU level. case in point. are coming through the door. This has been a real win not only "The significant issues in the food "I will continue to provide for us, but the Q Guild and butchers supply chain remain a personal leadership on food chain issues and as a whole." priority for me, and indeed for the to work with Copa-Cogeca NFU as an organisation" he said. representatives to build equitable, Oisin Murnion of the National fair and transparent supply chains. Beef Association said: "The "With the recent appointment in the Finally, with the recently launched horsemeat scandal is a classic UK of a Supermarket Adjudicator, green paper on unfair trading example of what happens when after a decade of lobbying, my practices from the EU Commission, I supermarket suppliers are resolve is strengthened further will provide robust leadership to squeezed in cost terms and to help make changes in the EU ensure we take advantage of the consumers are encouraged supply chain for the benefits of opportunity this presents for to believe that beef, which they farmers and growers." strengthening the position of

like and love to buy, is just as farmers in the supply chain." n s cheap as chicken or other less "Proper rules in the supply chain at expensive meats." n EU level are crucial as big retailers W and processors are increasingly e operating on a pan-European basis." N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 49 Farmers opt for euro subsidy payment as sterling falls

As the uk economy continues to The increasing costs serve as a Thomas Walsh from FC Exhcnage falter, uk farmers face another 'timely reminder', farmers said, said: "In times of currency volatility challenging year brought on by that single farm payments act as a it is vital those needing to change adverse weather conditions, lifeline for many businessess. money - especially large sums soaring costs and a weak eurozone such as EU subsidies - seek the export market. UK farming businesses eligible to best rates in a changing and receive EU subsidies can opt to complicated market." Farmers in the UK have highlighted receive the payment in either the importance of CAP after the Sterling or euros. "With continued uncertainty industry suffered in the wettest year surrounding the Pound, those on record and other problems This is not a decision to be taken eligible for EU subsidies may affecting farm profits, the National lightly as exchange rates fluctuate wish to take receipt of this year’s Farmers' Union have said. constantly and consequently the subsidy in euros as the currency Sterling-euro exchange rate remains continues to rally." Defra's Farm Business Income the biggest detriment on sector- forecasts for the year ending wide farm income in the UK. "Taking payment in euros could February 2013 predict a decline in result in significant gains - for the profitability of farming across However as the Pound continues example based on today’s EUR/GBP the majority of farming sectors. to fall against the euro, UK farmers rate of [1.1540/0.866] on a subsidy may gain more from their EU of €200,000 will achieve £13,706.05 Weather-impacted output coupled subsidy by opting to take the more than the rate set by the Rural with increased input costs have hit payment in euros, but the timing Payments Agency in September 2012." farming over the last year, and these of the actual currency transaction figures are the first to indicate the will be key. HSBC Head of Agriculture Allan financial impact on farmers. Wilkinson said the agricultural sector needed to concentrate 'on costs of production and "After recent high levels of farm the basics' in order to preserve enterprise margins. incomes, this has to be the year to margins in 2013. concentrate on the basics in order Recent weather events impacted on to preserve margins. Forward Livestock producers are among the the UK cereal sector and price Planning 2013 not only allows hardest hit with feed prices and an volatility has highlighted the need to current capital investment to be increased feed use hitting margins. plan effectively. assessed prudently, it also allows those in the agriculture sector to The forecasts show profitability for "There are no secrets to being the quickly assess the changes required the pig and dairy sectors falling by best – the attributes have been well in order to maintain viability as 50% and 42% respectively. documented and include a strong market conditions change." n desire to succeed, a clear strategy, For beef and sheep producers, maximising the deployment of all falls of 44 per cent are predicted business resources, regular for lowland producers, while their benchmarking and business uplands counterparts have fared planning. Last but not least, a worse with income falling by 52 thorough understanding of your per cent. Only the poultry sector main customers is essential" remains unchanged, according to Wilkinson said. the Defra forecast.

"Price volatility on both sides of the s Wilkinson warned that farm budget mean that the range in the incomes are expected to final margin can be wider than ever, W e plateau, which means farmers the margin for timing difference must place extra emphasis on being shorter than ever." N MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 51

Farmers face tough start to year over feed prices south West farmers are facing one Sheep farmers face similar issues "However, farmers feel they have no of their toughest starts to a new with poor quality and quantity of choice but to winter cattle indoors year as they battle to keep livestock grazing, the need to supplement for longer due to the rain and the fed and healthy in the face of poor feeding and the practical issue of risk of damage to waterlogged fields forage, high feed costs and tending flocks and managing by grazing cattle, which they fear continued bad weather. lambing time on sodden and could affect their Single Farm increasingly muddy fields. Payment for the upkeep of the land. Cattle are spending longer indoors In Somerset in particular, many this winter due to the wet weather - "Our inspectors are on the fields are simply still underwater." but summer deluges had a huge ground every day talking with impact on silage quality and farmers and supporting farm business "There’s no doubt animal wellbeing are having to use more bought in and the combination of problems has suffered also as a result of the and supplementary feed, for which our Members are having to deal weather and this is reflected in the prices are high - again because of with right now is causing real reports of reduced milk yields and weather-related poor yields. distress" said Philip Wilson of animals coming to market showing Cornish Mutual. signs of the poor quality of the grass At the same time there has been and the forage they've been eating less revenue coming into many "Soil quality is affected due to in recent months." farming businesses, with poor soluble nutrients being washed forage being blamed for falls in milk away by the rain which has affected Dr Michael Lee at an NFU Cymru s yields per cow right across the UK the quantity and quality of fodder Annual Poultry conference said: and leading to beef farmers and on top of that feed prices are "Feed costs are a key element to the W struggling to produce cattle at their high globally." profitability of a poultry unit." }} e

finished target weight. N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 53

"The price of wheat a soya has rocketed and we need to reach a who have been farmers all their point where poultry producers can lives, would not want to abandon have access to a sustainable source the farming industry altogether. of protein." "It is, therefore, suggested that Research into alternative protein councils should consider offering the sources for all ruminants and older generation tenant one of the aquaculture, is underway at IBERS. smaller CCHs as a retirement / smallholding opportunity, releasing Last year IBERS started a couple the larger holdings for a new of projects looking at the nutritional generation of tenants in order to value and improving yields of lupin, facilitate their entry into the pea and bean crops in collaboration industry," Mr Williams stated. with industry and other research partners. The main aim of the His letter also mentioned that some projects is to give farmers more local authorities are no longer control on the sourcing of protein Councils employing an in-house land agent. by providing alternative home- "This can often result in an grown solutions. urged to expensive service that delivers little for both the tenant and landlord. Clare Morgan, NFU Cymru Poultry show Board chair said: "The common "The union asks that neighbouring theme from the Conference was commitment councils group together and that feed price is eroding profits." employ a full time agent specifically to younger to deal with CCHs and believes "We know that the wheat yield and this would represent better delivery quality were badly affected by last farmers for local authorities, tenants and year's extremely wet season and the the public purse." poultry sector is now suffering." County councils have been urged to show 'greater commitment' Members of the new committee are The latest NFU survey on to younger farmers by helping also concerned that councils no poultry cost of production them secure tenancies, it has longer consider CCHs as a service to shows a considerable rise in feed been revealed. their county despite the 1970 costs across all the categories of Agriculture Act specifying that local poultry production. "Many young farmers and new authorities should "aim to provide entrants have limited access to opportunities for persons to be Feed costs for both cage eggs and land, compounded by prohibitive farmers on their own account by free range eggs have risen by £60/t land prices and rental values" letting holdings to them”. compared with January 2012, while said Darren Williams (pictured), broiler producers also reported an of Garthbrengy, Breconshire who "We are constantly reminded of the increase of £50/t in feed cost. wrote to local authorities. need to encourage the youngest and brightest talent into agriculture and, "We should not lose sight of the fact However, the Farmers' Union of for many, CCHs remain one of the that the feed price is not just high in Wales fears a number of local only entry routes in the industry," the UK, it is a global situation" authorities are consolidating and Mr Williams stated. "CCHs must Morgan said. n disposing of these holdings or therefore be kept as a legacy for reducing the length of tenancy future generations." agreements to the extent that investment in holdings by tenants The committee expressed further becomes unviable. concern that if CCHs are no longer intended as "holdings for life" then The new committee is concerned councils have a duty to assist tenants that councils are struggling to move to move on to larger holdings. older tenants on from the medium/larger sized holdings "If the CCH system works as

preventing the younger generation it should, then these farms should s accessing them. This results in hold the prospective tenants for stagnation within the industry and a the private sector landlords," W e less dynamic local rural economy. Williams added. n "It is understandable why tenants, N MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 55

Ray Goodfellow: RsPCA Chief Legal Officer

RSPCA seeks hearing over live exports decision

The RsPCA is to seek a hearing in Thanet District Council lifted its "We are taking this stand because the High Court to determine temporary ban on live exports at we believe AHVLA's approach is whether the charity can take its live Ramsgate in November. failing to safeguard animal welfare animal exports judicial review and is in breach of European laws application to a full hearing. The animals are transported over to designed to protect animals from Calais on an open-decked, flat injury or undue suffering during The charity applied in December bottomed converted Russian tank transport" said Ray Goodfellow, to seek a judicial review of the transporter, the MV Joline. chief legal officer at RSPCA. arrangements operated by Animal Health and Veterinary The local authority had closed "We believe we have a strong case Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) the port, which has no livestock which deserves to be heard." for the approval and supervision handling facilities, to live exports of live animal exports through the in September following an "The issues remain the same - the port of Ramsgate. incident when over 40 sheep lack of facilities at or near the port had to be destroyed. to deal with emergencies, the use of The permission was refused by Mr an old tank transporter to ship Justice Males following a The port was then re-opened in animals across the Channel in rough consideration of the court papers. October following legal action by weather and the failure to Dutch exporters. thoroughly inspect animals at the He stated: "There is no arguable port are all unacceptable." illegality in the policy or practice The RSPCA said AHVLA 'acted of AHVLA in relation to its unlawfully' in failing to require "These issues have serious s authorisation or inspection of exporters to use ports with implications for animal welfare live sheep through the Port of appropriate facilities and failing to which is why the RSPCA is pressing W Ramsgate to Calais." impose sailing restrictions. its case further." n e N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 57 POULTRY BUILDINGS Tel: 01291 672334 Email: [email protected] UK manufacturer spots Brazil opportunity

TMAT Ltd, manufacturer of acoustic The Brazilian government is keen to "We will be retaining all engineering components for tractors and see that product is sourced locally design and intellectual property at excavators whose customers rather than shipped in from our Chesterfield site, and the Brazil include Case, New Holland, JCB and abroad,creating the opportunity for opportunity could well create more Volvo, is planning to open a new a foreign investor like TMAT to open UK jobs as our work in Brazil factory in Brazil. a factory in the country. generates more demand upon specialist engineering resources." With Brazil due to host both the 2014 "The existing customers and other football World Cup and the 2016 OEMSs (original equipment TMATs growth has risen from £5m Olympics, SOBRATEMA (Brazilian manufacturers) we’ve spoken to per year to in excess of £10m since Association of Technology for about our plans have been very 2009 and TMAT aims to drive Equipment and Maintenance) states excited indeed, in light not only of turnover to more than £20 million that Brazil aims to complete 12,265 the opportunities in Brazil but also by 2015. infrastructure projects by 2016. of the red tape they have encountered when trying to do TMAT designs and engineers The events represent a once in business there" said Jason Lippitt, innovative solutions to Noise, a generation opportunity for Managing Director of TMAT. Vibration and Harshness for ACE Latin America’s biggest economy (agricultural, construction, to show it can execute large "We’ve had a very positive initial earthmoving) markets that it feels projects, as the government seeks meeting with DTI (Department of are the best in the industry. n to roll out an ambitious plan to Trade and Industry). The next stage invest R$955bn (£306bn/$470bn) will be for me to head out to Brazil in s

in new roads, ports, airports and March for exploratory meetings. All W power plants, with the participation being well, we should be able to move e

of foreign investors. ahead at the end of the first quarter." N

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ic organ VITA IDS MINS AC

INO NU AM TR IDS AC AC EU TI CA LS Oilseed rape exports benefit from sterling's weakness

The falling value of sterling has The export of oilseed rape from the the competitive position of UK helped raise the competitiveness of south west is significant because it oilseed rape, particularly that uk oilseed rape with exports demonstrates the importance of produced a considerable distance leaving Openfield's deep water currency values in promoting exports. from the domestic crush, such as facility in the south west, Portbury the south west," he added. Grain Terminal, for the first time. In a more typical year, oilseed rape is normally exported from Since July 2012 Sterling has The terminal, which can load ports along the east coast of depreciated by 10% against panamax vessels up to 70,000 England due to their closer the Euro, but it is the fall since tonnes, and is operated exclusively proximity to the continent. the New Year when fears surfaced by Openfield, is one of the UK’s that the UK economy had slipped busiest exporting centres. "The market has remained firm back into recession in the final since Christmas led by strong quarter of 2012 that had the biggest Earlier this week 2,500 tonnes of demand for oilseeds from China, impact on the competitive position oilseed rape sourced from farms deteriorating weather in South of UK oilseed. across the south west was loaded on America’s soybean growing regions to the Oosvoorne, a bulk cargo ship and supply disruptions in Brazil," In the month to the beginning of registered in the Netherlands, said John Thorpe, Openfield head of February Sterling fell by almost 6% destined for Hamburg where it will oilseed rape trading. against the euro while the be processed in to biofuel. euro:dollar relationship remained "Consequently, the market is up largely unchanged. n The shipment is the first of several £35/tonne compared with pre- s

planned for the Portbury terminal Christmas values, but currency W with the next cargo scheduled to be changes alone account for £22 of e

loaded by the middle of February. this movement. This has improved N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 61

Urban foxes 'dumped in the countryside' urban foxes, which have been of disturbing attacks by city foxes. In London's borough leaders, who are responsible for a number of attacks the most recent incident a four- responsible for pest control. They on young children, are apparently week-old baby boy was attacked in must come together, study the being trapped in major cities and his home in south east London. data, try to understand why this is dumped in the countryside. becoming such a problem and act The child, Denny Dolan, underwent quickly to sort it out." Roger Gent, chairman of the British an operation to reattach one of Free Range Egg Producers’ Association his fingers following the attack. Londoners have become (BFREPA), says he has seen urban He also had stitches in wounds on increasingly concerned about foxes. foxes at large on farmland, despite his face after his mother reportedly In a previous incident in 2011 a five- denials by local authorities that they found the fox dragging the baby year-old boy awoke to find a fox in are being rounded up and dumped from his bedroom. his third floor bedroom in Hackney. in the countryside. Public reaction to the attack resulted With the attacks on children in "You can tell they are urban foxes. It in an intervention from the Mayor London increasing people’s fears is easy to see the difference because of London, Boris Johnson, who said about the threat from urban foxes, urban foxes are scavengers. They more needed to be done to deal pressure is likely to increase on local look completely bewildered in the with what he said was the growing authorities to come up with a countryside; they don’t know how problem of urban foxes. solution. Rather than dumping the to hunt, they are just completely animals on other people's doorsteps,

lost away from the houses where "They may appear cuddly & romantic in an environment that is completely s they normally scavenge for food." but foxes are also a pest and menace, alien to animals that have grown up particularly in our cities," he said. in urban areas, Roger believes that W Pressure has been increasing on the authorities should deal with the e local authorities following a number "This must serve as a wake-up call to problem where it has arisen. n N

MARCH 2013 FARMINGuk 63 Paterson confirms badger cull will go ahead

Two badger cull schemes to tackle widespread badger cull will have no made this year: "The authorisation the spread of bovine TB will go impact in solving the problem of letters issued today confirming ahead this summer in tuberculosis in cattle. culling can proceed this summer in Gloucestershire and somerset, West Gloucestershire and West environment secretary Owen Professor Peter Atkins, from Durham Somerset is an important step Paterson confirmed today. University's Institute of Hazard, Risk towards taking the action we need and Resilience investigated the to tackle the spread of this disease Speaking at the National Farmers spread of the disease. in wildlife." Union annual conference, Paterson said authorisation letters have been "Badgers almost certainly play a part "I am determined that there are no issued by Natural England who in spreading the disease, but my further delays this year. That is why confirmed culls can proceed in conclusion is that their impact over we have taken the sensible step the summer. the decades has been far less than with the farming industry to elect a suggested" said Atkins. reserve area that can be called upon "Bovine TB is spreading at an should anything happen to prevent alarming rate and causing real "Very carefully arranged culling may culling in Somerset or Gloucester." devastation to our beef and dairy have a part to play alongside other industry" the minister said. measures in areas of particular But Atkins claimed that 'no one' prevalence such as South West has yet proved which direction the Paterson also announced a reserve England and South Wales, but my infection travels between species pilot will also be prepared in Dorset research suggests that extending the and that the disease is a 'spillover' in the event that unforeseen policy elsewhere may neither be from cattle rather than an endemic circumstances prevent one of the justified nor particularly effective. It condition. He also claimed a cull areas from being used. certainly won't be a panacea." cull could even 'exacerbate the problem'. But recent research conducted by However, Paterson said he was Durham University claimed a determined no further delays are "The Randomised Badger Culling test positive for it. The results, which are from a four year study by the Food and The Environment Secretary said the Environment Research Agency pilot culls were 'just one part of our (FERA), conflict the view that culling approach to control' TB. badgers is the only method to stop the disease. "We are using everything at our disposal to get to grips with TB "This report must be the final including new tougher controls on nail in the coffin of the plan to moving cattle, increased herd cull badgers" said Philip Mansbridge, testing and working to get effective CEO of wildlife charity Care for vaccines ready as soon as possible." the Wild.

The experience of countries such as "Pro-cull supporters claim that the Republic of Ireland, the United the disease can only be stopped if States, Australia and New Zealand the so-called reservoir of disease shows that TB in cattle cannot be within wildlife is reduced – this controlled without also tackling the study shows that vaccination can disease in the surrounding wildlife. achieve this."

In New Zealand, the number of But farming groups claim that a infected cattle and deer herds has vaccine to help control TB in the been reduced from 1,700 in the mid future 'remains many years away'. 1990s to fewer than 100 in 2011. Unions such as the NFU have This is as a result of rigorous bio- admitted a vaccine should be part of security measures, strict cattle a package of measures to help movement controls and proactive control the disease but said that wildlife management. measure alone would not be enough to combat it. The authorisation letters issued by Natural England mean that culling "We need a package of measures to will be able to proceed at any point tackle TB and yes, cattle vaccine Trial, which ran from 1998-2006 from 1 June. The pilot culls will last must be one of them. But as Defra’s indicated complex, interwoven for 6 weeks and will be repeated chief vet Nigel Gibbens said cattle patterns of infection and concluded annually for four years. vaccine, and the tests and badger culling was unlikely to be regulations needed to put it in place effective for the future control of bTB." The pilots are being carried out to across Europe, ‘may take years’. In test the chosen method of culling the meantime, the spread of TB is "When badgers are disturbed, they through free shooting. The pilots doubling every nine years" said NFU seem to perceive they are being will be independently assessed to President Peter Kendall. attacked and move from their check the method is both effective original area by a kilometre or more in removing enough badgers Professor Atkins has concluded and join other badger groups, which and humane. that the government should take a spreads the disease." more comprehensive approach to The reserve pilot in Dorset will be controlling TB: "The assumption Following 2001's foot and mouth prepared in the same way as the that badgers are always responsible crisis, different parts of the country two licensed areas so that it is ready for this disease in cattle has to were restocked with cattle from the to proceed if necessary in the summer. be reviewed." southwest, a traditional breeding area and that this has been a factor in The search for an adequate TB "If our analysis showing the lack the spread of bTB to regions that had vaccine for cattle continues, but of disease persistence in medium previously had low incidence of it. badgers can be vaccinated now to and low density badger populations help prevent the spread of TB as an is correct, the improvement of A likely solution to the problem was alternative to culling. cattle controls including improved said to lie in vaccination, but testing, tighter movement controls

inoculating cattle for TB is forbidden New government-backed research and, eventually, a useable vaccine s by EU rules as it would render revealed that vaccinating badgers should be enough to halt the testing for the disease as ineffective, can reduce the level of TB within an spread. We should continue to W because all vaccinated cattle would infected colony by 54%. investigate, and cooperate with e farmers over this problem." n N

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