FaIssuer 94 m august 2019inguk

HOW ARE YOU FEELING?

BORIS JOHNSON’S STANCES ON FARMING AND RURAL ISSUES THERESA VILLIERS APPOINTED NEW DEFRA SECRETARY

FARMINGUK - THE UK SITE FOR AGRICULTURE

CONTENTS

04 HOW ARE YOU FEELING? 22 FARMERS 'DO NOT RECOGNISE BREXIT THREAT', EXPERT SAYS

12 THERESA VILLIERS APPOINTED 24 BEEF CRISIS: FARMING UNIONS NEW DEFRA SECRETARY OUTLINE URGENT MEASURES

14 FARMERS TELL NEW PM 'PICTURE IS 26 BREXIT: MASS SLAUGHTER OF SHEEP BLEAK FOR SHEEP FARMING' 'DISASTROUS' FOR FARMERS

16 'S STANCES ON 30 SWINE FEVER OUTBREAK COULD FARMING AND RURAL ISSUES COST UK £85M

20 FARMERS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC TO EAT 32 RURAL CRIME HITS £50M AS BRAZEN MORE BRITISH LAMB CRIMINALS TARGET FARMERS

04 HOW ARE YOU FEELING?

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AUGUST 2019 3 The pressures that farmers and their families find themselves under, involve many farming specific issues, including the financial pressures of running a business, the bureaucracy of farm inspections, geographical isolation on farms and the long working hours of the job.

With mental health thankfully becoming less of a taboo subject – it should be just as normal to ask after someone’s their state of mind as their painful knee. Workplace wellbeing is now on the agenda of many companies but is it for farmers?

4 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM How are you feeling?

The article by the Farming Community hard – dealing with high feed costs and low Network, gave worrying statistics on the egg prices, on top of other worries - is suicide rate in farmers as well as signals of undoubtably affecting their mental health. poor mental health to look out for. Campaigns by the NFU, the Farm Safety Down on the farm Foundation and others, aim to break down Stress, depression or anxiety are the leading the barriers to talking about mental wellbeing causes of work-related ill health across Great within the agricultural community. For free Britain and a major challenge for all range egg producers, times are undeniably industries, including agriculture. Farming is a

AUGUST 2019 5 The Royal Scotland Agricultural The Farming Community Network Benevolent Institution provides comprises about 400 volunteers across emotional, practical and financial England and Wales who operate a support in times of need. confidential helpline (03000 111 999) and e-helpline ([email protected]) daily Emotional support is available through a from 7am- 11pm. daily helpline (0300 111 4166), case officers and volunteers, all of whom are As farmers, or people with close links to mental health first aid trained. A call out farmers, the volunteers have a great service for the lonely and vulnerable is understanding of the issues facing those also available as is practical support. who make contact and are on hand to listen and provide a sympathetic ear to Financial support can be monthly anyone who needs help. They also payments or single grants for essential provide free pastoral and practical items. Business costs will be considered support, regardless of whether the issue to help overcome a short term crisis. is personal, business or family-related.

They will "walk with" anyone who seeks support and help them find a positive way through their problems for as long as it is needed.

sector, which can be extremely rewarding but pressure, but I also want to acknowledge the also comes with huge pressures, isolation and wives, mothers, fathers, children and partners demands, on a daily basis. In fact, agriculture that do so much for the farms as well.” carries the highest rate of suicide above any other occupation. Farming is a lifestyle not a Industry worries job, it requires self-reliance and is subject to Robert Gooch, CEO of the British Free Range constant change and uncertainty. Egg Producer’s Association (BFREPA), explained why and how organisation is The pressures that farmers and their families addressing concerns about mental health in find themselves under, involve many farming the industry. “Business failure or stress is one specific issues, including the financial pressures of the most common causes of a of running a business, the bureaucracy of deterioration in mental health, and so it is farm inspections, geographical isolation on perhaps not surprising to find out that an farms and the long working hours of the job. increasing number of BFREPA members are Many farmers have told their stories because sufferers. For some time BFREPA has been they want to let other people know that warning about the downturn in free range they’re not alone if they are struggling. One egg margins as a result of oversupply, but this explained, “Farmers are under immense is no comfort to members affected when the

6 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM The Addington Fund was established to RABI helps farming people on low help farmers in severe financial difficulty incomes and with few savings. The team during the 2001 foot and mouth talks in confidence, giving tailored outbreak. Since then, it has been on support and advice. Whether it is a hand to help out as and when national farmer, farm manager or farmworker, and regional disasters have occurred in who is working, retired or unable to the UK by offering grants for feed and work due to an illness or disability, or a forage to those affected. dependant, RABI may be able to assist.

Since then the Addington Fund has Examples include grants for domestic concentrated on providing strategically costs, funding for disability equipment, placed retirement homes for farmers essential furniture and white goods, and and affordable housing to keep young care home topup fees. The charity can families in their chosen rural location. also check state benefits entitlement and may fund a relief farmworker if a A young entrants scheme is now being farmer is unable to work due to illness, set up to give young people the an initial business review or training to opportunity to farm in their own right. bring in off-farm income. Visit www.addingtonfund.org.uk for more information or to donate. Go to www.rabi.org.uk or call 0808 281 9490 for more.

downturn actually happens. salmonella, that have closed down a farm or a whole business. We are currently dealing with It is only by communicating with members, two cases where the business owner or his over their contracts and their ongoing wife, is suffering from mental illness. One difficulties with packers and suppliers, that suspects that mental illnesses would also not BFREPA has become aware of the large have been uncommon during the highly number that are suffering from depression. In pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in the some cases, the BFREPA member, or his or her past, when producers had to watch their spouse, have had a complete mental flocks being culled and their farms taken over breakdown and are having difficulties just by strangers in white suits. getting up in the morning; dealing with the financial demands that have caused the Whatever the cause of the mental illness, mental illness is completely beyond them. members are encouraged to let BFREPA know about their difficulties so that it can intervene While financial stress seems to be the most with packers or suppliers who may be significant cause of mental illness at the applying too much pressure when chasing for moment, BFREPA is also finding cases money. BFREPA will act (confidentially) to resulting from disease incidences, such as help members who are being treated harshly

AUGUST 2019 7 and without compassion - naming and project. shaming those packers or suppliers acting Be Safe unethically. We are here to help.” Have a culture of safety around your business, staff and family. Make sure you have the right Mind Your Head insurance, as well as backup plans and The charity Farm Safety federation, set up by contingencies in place for difficult times. NFU, is involved in education, engagement, Through national campaigns such as Farm Rest and Take Notice Safety Week, Yellow Wellies -Who Would Fill Pay attention to the simple things or just be Your Boots? and Mind Your Head, the Farm ‘in the moment’. Ensure you have holidays Safety Foundation is tackling the stigma and plenty of sleep. around risk-taking, ensuring that that next generation of farmers is resilient and Be Active and Eat Well equipped with smart strategies and specific Good nutrition helps the body to regenerate. skills to live well and farm well. This aim And make a choice to walk or cycle, rather includes addressing mental health. The than jumping in a vehicle – as regular exercise independent charity has encouraged others is known to improve mental health. to share their stories of the mental health issues they’ve faced and how they overcame Working on these five elements will help them. This month The Ranger has included a people to stay healthy and happy. Hopefully leaflet from the Farming Community Network providing the mental resilience to deal with (FCN) in the magazine and has made a life’s challenges. This is the theme of Doug donation to the charity. Avery’s book ‘The Resilient Farmer’, where he talks about structing farm businesses around Wellbeing the three pillars of financial, environmental In 2016 Aarun Naik completed a Nuffield and social resilience. The social pillar is about Farming Scholarship on ‘Supporting Farmer building relationships and connections, Wellbeing’. As well as discussing the seeking support through mentorship and importance of raising awareness of mental learning strategies to manage one’s own health and support networks - he also talked emotional resilience. about ‘Ways to wellbeing’. Strategies that can be presented to the farming community to Aarun has continued his work in this field, help them be pro-active in terms of their delivering #RUWellAware workshops, with mental health. He references a campaign Olly Harrison. The aim of which are: to raise from New Zealand, which was inspired by the awareness of mental health and wellbeing Five Ways to Wellbeing. in agriculture; to help people recognise the signs of stress and to sign post where Connect and Give to get more help. And his new venture spending time with the people you enjoy being www.strong-heart.co.uk as well as offering around and getting involved in the community counselling services, delivers workshops helps to promote a sense of self-worth. on resilience and stress management, specifically designed for farmers. Keep Learning stimulate your mind through He has also worked with Laura Phalp of the reading, trying a new skill or University of Liverpool to collect data on the finishing a mental health in the farming

8 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM WILL EVANS, host of the Rock & Roll Farming podcast

community. Specifically, she is investigating people that produce their food. Part of his the relationship between adverse events on aim is to increase awareness of agricultural the farm and thoughts of suicide. She has matters and he has tackled the subject of asked farmers to complete an anonymous mental health. He has spoken to several farmers questionnaire, data from which will form a who have battled with anxiety and depression, large part of her doctorate in clinical finding out about their recovery and how psychology. they deal with challenges on a daily basis. He’s also spoken to people like Emma Picton- The podcasting farmer Jones, who following the suicide of her Many BFREPA member will remember Will husband Daniel, set up the DPJ foundation to Evans’s inspiring talk at last year’s conference. support people in rural communities with As the host of Rock & Roll Farming podcast he poor mental health, especially men in the interviews some incredible characters in the agricultural sector. Her website contains links industry, so people can learn more about the to a variety of support services and details the

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For more information call our Trading Manager, Carwyn Worthington on 01691 828128 or 07974 396062 www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk work she does in rural Welsh communities. She also has some thoughtful mantras for Agricultural charities those going through difficult times: “You cannot heal a lifetime of pain overnight, be united in their mission patient with yourself, it takes as long as it takes to rebuild yourself.” “It’s okay to not be to offer support to perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to do something that you hadn’t done, because farmers and their if we don’t do those things, we never grow.” families Times of crisis Education and empowerment are key, to The UK’s four main agricultural charities are tackling mental health issues. Just as we joining forces under the banner of Farming know that healthy eating and exercise Help to increase their reach and help those helps prevent physical illness, looking after in need. yourself is just as important for mental wellbeing. Similarly, knowing more about The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, mental health and practising ways to deal Royal Scotland Agricultural Benevolent with stress can help prevent future problems. Institution, Farming Community Network Attend a lecture or workshop, read a book and Addington Fund are working together to and most importantly talk to others. avoid duplication and unnecessary competition. Acknowledge that it is important to look after yourself; so that you can look after By sharing resources Farming Help can your farm, family, livestock and crops. provide various forms of support depending There are a growing number of resources on the nature of the problem with either one on mental health specific to farming; some charity leading or by working together. of which have been mentioned above, so it is worthwhile finding out what is on offer. It is designed to be a one-stop shop for The advice is to seek help before you reach financial or pastoral support and BFREPA is crisis point - as all farmers will know pleased to help raise awareness. prevention is better than cure. However, for those that have reached a crisis point there is help on offer. Contact the Farming Community Network, visit your GP, seek industry support and talk to those close to you.

AUGUST 2019 11 (Photo: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Theresa Villiers appointed new Defra Secretary

Theresa Villiers has been Boris Johnson has made radical changes to his front-bench team following his announced as the new Defra appointment as the UK's new Prime Minister Secretary as leaves on Wednesday 24 July. Michael Gove, who the role for a promotion following was appointed environment secretary on 11 a cabinet reshuffle. June 2017, has now been appointed as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. MP for Chipping Barnet and arch Brexiteer, Ms Villiers was the Secretary of State for Northern

12 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM Villiers, Defra faces some of the toughest challenges of any government department as the October 31st Brexit date looms. She has argued for a no-deal Brexit and is also a strong advocate of animal welfare, having spoken out on the issue of live exports and supporting the animal welfare campaign ‘end the cage’.

NFU President Minette Batters said she’s looking forward to working closely Ms Villiers to help forge the future of farming and food production. She said central to that will be to ensure the UK leaves the EU in a 'smooth and orderly manner', which includes frictionless trade with the EU. Mrs Batters said: “I look forward to working with the new Secretary of State to showcase the incredibly high standards to which British farmers deliver food for the nation, alongside caring for our animals and the countryside.

“I invite Ms Villiers to join me on my farm so she can see first-hand the work that goes in to producing the country’s food and its potential for the future.”

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said it is 'delighted to welcome' Ms Villiers as the new Defra Secretary, but warned that farmers have 'grave concerns' over her no-deal stance.

“We look forward to working with her to grow our rural economy, support businesses, create jobs, mitigate climate change, improve biodiversity and provide high quality food to the country and beyond.

“We’ve noted Ms Villiers’ recent comments on Ireland from 2012 to 2016. a no deal Brexit and resulting WTO tariffs, but we know there are many farmers across the Growing up in North London, she was country with grave concerns. educated at the independent Francis Holland School. She gained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) “Currently 60% of our food exports go to the degree with first-class honours in 1990 from EU. Were draconian tariffs put in place, world the University of Bristol, and a year later the class British produce would become postgraduate degree of Bachelor of Civil Law uncompetitive in our largest market (BCL) from Jesus College, Oxford. For Ms overnight.”

AUGUST 2019 13 The sheep sector says the 'picture is bleak' if Boris Johnson goes ahead toward a no-deal departure from the EU

Farmers tell new PM 'picture is bleak for sheep farming'

Sheep farmers have told the new Boris Johnson will officially form his new government today (24 July) after he was Prime Minister that the 'picture is elected leader of the Conservative Party, bleak' for the sector if a 'hard or beating his rival Jeremy Hunt. disorderly' Brexit happens. His stances on farming and rural issues have been cast in the spotlight following confirmation of the news on Tuesday.

14 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM abrupt exit from the EU would result in major trade disruption with inadequate time to put in place alternative options.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker said: “Britain needs stability and a framework that avoids business disruption, with serious consideration of sectors like the sheep industry that we know are particularly vulnerable.

“The picture is bleak for British sheep farming if Mr Johnson refuses to avoid a hard or disorderly departure from the EU.”

WTO Brexit would 'cripple trade' The group has been calling for a contingency plan to be put in place for some time, but is picking up its urgency in light of Boris Johnson’s willingness for a no-deal Brexit.

The UK sheep sector currently exports some 35% of sheepmeat, with around 96% of that going to EU markets. Mr Stocker said leaving without a deal and ending up with a WTO Brexit would 'cripple trade'.

“To suddenly add a tariff of 40-50% of value will make trade to the EU unworkable without severe price collapses that the industry cannot carry.

“Promises of a rescue package once things have gone wrong are the wrong approach – what is needed is a strategic package of measures to avoid collapse in the first place.

“I urge Mr Johnson to prioritise an orderly Brexit that gives continuity with trade, and the formation of a clear strategic plan that negates any breakdown of Britain’s sheep An ardent campaigner to leave the European farming industry.” Union in 2016, his calls to leave the bloc 'come what may' by October 31 has stirred Farmers are also calling for Johnson to make concerns of a no-deal Brexit. careful considerations when appointing his new cabinet today. Johnson has been urged by the National Sheep Association (NSA) to focus on 'stability' The NSA said the 'last thing the industry in any new policy rather than 'playing needs' is a change of ministers within Defra, populist politics'. Sheep farmers fear an currently headed by Michael Gove.

AUGUST 2019 15 (Photo: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Boris Johnson's stances on farming and rural issues have been cast in the spotlight following confirmation that he will become the next Prime Minister.

16 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM Boris Johnson's stances on farming and rural issues

The former Mayor of London will become the Reacting to the news, NFU President Minette UK's next prime minister after being elected Batters urged him to do 'everything in his leader of the Conservative Party, beating power' to ensure that the UK's departure Jeremy Hunt. from the EU is carried out in a 'smooth and orderly way'. Johnson, who was widely expected to win, did so by 92,153 votes to 46,656, with 66% The National Sheep Association (NSA) called of the vote. on Johnson 'not to play populist politics' as he sets out his Brexit plan.

AUGUST 2019 17 The Country Land and Business Association Boris Johnson's interview with Countryside (CLA) echoed those views, and said the Alliance rhetoric of no-deal 'must not be allowed to Q: Will you ensure funding is available to become the political default option'. deliver the Government’s commitment of a full fibre broadband network across the It comes as the farming industry and the UK by 2033, prioritising connectivity in wider rural community demands major rural areas? change from the new Prime Minister as a recent survey paints a sense of deep BJ: “Yes. I am fully supportive of making sure frustration with Brexit and general that rural communities are not left behind countryside issues. through lack of connectivity. With close family members dotted throughout the On farming and rural issues, he has pledged countryside I know just how vital this is.” an extra £25m-a-year in subsidies for farmers post-Brexit, in particular those in Scotland. Q: Will you commit to ‘ring-fence’ funds for rural development within the new UK Johnson, who campaigned to leave the Shared Prosperity Fund? European Union in 2016, has also signalled that he is prepared to ban the live exports BJ: “I can assure you that, under my of animals. leadership, no rural area will be left behind, and I have pledged that more In an interview with the Countryside Alliance, funds will be made available to address he pledged to make more funds available imbalances that affect rural communities.” to address “imbalances that affect rural communities.” Q: Will you ensure that Government policy across all areas is ‘rural-proofed’, as He would also ensure that laws on wildlife recommended in the recent report from management and animal welfare were based the Rural Economy on “facts rather than emotion”. Committee?

Johnson added that rural communities will be BJ: “I will ensure that the concerns of rural “central to kick starting the British economy” communities are considered in our after the UK leaves the EU on 31 October. policies. Governments have all too often been guilty of not thinking through how “Around a third of our businesses are in the policies impact on some of our most countryside and I will ensure that they have remote areas. We need to reverse that.” access to superfast broadband by rolling out full fibre 8 years ahead of the current target in Q: Will you commit to supporting rural post 2025,” he pledged. offices, and making the post office network a front office for government services?

BJ: “I believe that we do need to support rural post offices, and as Prime Minister will commit to looking at what we can do to improve this vital resource.”

18 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM Q: Will you ensure that future agricultural will consider any recommendations that and environmental policies outside the come from the Commission.” EU support upland landscapes and communities? Q: Will you ensure that all wildlife management and animal welfare BJ: “Yes – and this will be easier when we are legislation are based on principle and responsible for our own decision making.” evidence?

Q: Can you assure the 650,000 holders of BJ: “Yes – these are areas that rightly shotgun and firearms certificates in the UK generate passionate debate and that there will be no undue restrictions on discussion and we therefore owe it all legitimate gun ownership and use? interested parties to base law on facts rather than emotion.” BJ: “We rightly have some of the strictest gun laws in the world. I believe that legitimate Q: Can you confirm that there will be no ownership and use should come with unjustified restrictions on the list of avian robust levels of responsibility too. pests, including those species controlled Changing these laws is not a priority.” to protect crops, livestock, and biodiversity? Q: Will you seek to maintain access to the EU Firearms Pass in our new relationship with BJ: “As with any wildlife issue the Europe, which provides free and Government’s position will be driven by frictionless movement of lawfully held the highest quality independent firearms across EU countries along with evidence.” Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland? “School budgets in our rural schools have BJ: “I will be aiming to ensure that we have a been under pressure, that’s why I am trade deal that minimises friction on the boosting per pupil school funding, so cross border transfer of goods, while every child gets a quality education. ensuring that our border is secure and protects UK citizens. I will be happy to “And I am the only candidate committed discuss specific concerns as we strike to leaving the EU by 31 October so we get that deal.” out of the Common Agricultural Policy and deliver the support our farmers need Q: Will you commit to implementing so they can grow, sell and export more measures to counter animal rights British food and drink,” Mr Johnson said. extremism, including any relevant recommendations from the Government’s Commission for Countering Extremism, which is due to report this summer?

BJ: “While I am committed to protecting animal welfare, I will not tolerate extremism, intimidation and abuse irrespective of the motives that drive it. I

AUGUST 2019 19 Farmers to encourage public to eat more British lamb

A £1.4m campaign which starts in Using the tag ‘Lamb hits you in the chops’, it will begin at a time when British lamb is in September will see farmers peak supply. The activity aims to stem the across the country inspire the decline sales and boost consumer attitudes public to put lamb on their plates. towards the meat.

Now in its fifth year, Love Lamb Week has grown to become an industry-wide initiative. Groups such as the National Sheep

20 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM British lamb is in the peak of its supply in September – a perfect time to promote the meat

Her family farm is a tenanted property in north Warwickshire that was taken on by her grandfather in the late 1950s. It’s a typical mixed farm, which compromises of arable, beef and sheep enterprises.

Her family runs a flock of 300 breeding ewes, the majority of which are North Country Mules and are put to a Charollais tup. The breeding ewes are the smallest enterprise on the farm, and are farmed to fit around the arable and cattle work. The ewes and lambs she looks after are grazed over 200 acres of permanent pasture, alongside 20-30 cows and 30-40 beef stores. The pasture receives minimal input and the majority of the lambs are finished on grass.

Charlie said she believes that better grassland management is the key to increasing the productivity of the flock at the lowest cost, and absorbing carbon from the environment.

She said: “Lamb has a taste unlike any other meat and that’s what makes it perfect for a variety of dishes, from curries through to a slow cooked roast.

“I hope farmers across the country will get involved in Love Lamb Week and inspire more Association, AHDB, NFU, Red Tractor, the people to put it on their plates. Ulster Farmers’ Union and meat promotion bodies are all involved. The call is now for “Not only does it taste great, it’s also a producers, butchers, retailers and restaurants nutritious meat which is naturally rich in to save the date and join in efforts to boost protein and provides vitamins which are good British lamb. for health and wellbeing.”

24-year-old Coventry-based sheep farmer, The campaign and the Love Lamb Week runs Charlie Beaty, is getting behind the campaign. from 1 to 7 September.

AUGUST 2019 21 Brexit expert Peter Wilding says many farmers have yet to grasp the full implications of what a no-deal exit could mean

Farmers 'do not recognise Brexit threat', expert says

The man who first coined the The Brexit expert says farmers are now 'firmly caught in the crosshairs' of the UK's exit from term 'Brexit' has warned about Europe - and many 'do not appear to the dangers facing farmers over recognise the scale of the threat' they face. the next few weeks as it returns to the top of the news agenda. Peter Wilding, of law firm FBC Manby Bowdler, says large numbers of farmers say they back leaving the EU without a deal even though it could 'place their own livelihoods in jeopardy'.

22 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM “Of all the business sectors destined to be adversely affected by Brexit, British agriculture tops the league.

“In spite of this, the Knight Frank Rural Sentiment Survey 2019 of 200 farm businesses revealed that more than a quarter of farmers are backing 'hard Brexit' which will directly imperil their futures.

“Yet despite facing such problems, real and potential, more than half of businesses said they were making zero changes to cope with the challenges or opportunities of Brexit.”

He added: “But I am afraid that the things that are farmers' main concerns - restrictive planning policy, poor rural broadband, fly- tipping, commodity prices and succession issues - will be as nothing when the Brexit tsunami hits them.”

FBC Manby Bowdler’s own research had indicated that farmers were more worried about Brexit than the Rural Sentiment Survey suggested.

However, it shows that many farming businesses had yet to grasp the full implications of what a no-deal exit could mean.

“Farmers must be ready for a generational existential threat to not only their businesses but their communities,” Mr Wilding warned. “They face pressure on all fronts. If we leave the EU without a deal it is certain that incomes will fall, land prices will fall and exports will fall.

He says the agriculture sector could pay the “At the same time we know that tariffs, costs 'heaviest of prices' in the event of a no-deal and imports will all rise and that the farming and warned farmers a ‘Brexit tsunami’ was sector will be 'on the table' in all future trade about to hit them. agreements.

“There is something particularly difficult to “British farming is firmly in the crosshairs and explain going on in the farming community at farmers must protect themselves,” he said. the moment,” said Mr Wilding, a European law expert who was the first person to coin 'Brexit'.

AUGUST 2019 23 NFU President Minette Batters joined the UK's farming union presidents in urging retailers to back UK beef producers

Beef crisis: Farming unions outline urgent measures

The presidents of the four UK They have met at this week's Royal Welsh Show in a bid to highlight the seriousness of farming unions have called for the situation. The event, one of the farming 'urgent and collaboration action' industry's largest, arrives against the to support beef producers backdrop of severe price cuts affecting UK affected by the ongoing price beef farmers. Farming union presidents John Davies, NFU Cymru; Minette Batters, NFU; crisis. Andrew McCornick, NFU Scotland; and Ivor Ferguson, Ulster Farmers’ Union have come

24 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM Another measure looks at how retailers must ensure their marketing on origin and sourcing is clear at the point of sale and food service providers to give clear country of origin labelling for all beef products. Governments across the UK have also been urged by the four unions to review their public procurement commitments with an emphasis on UK sourcing. Lastly, the unions call for government to assess the impact on the UK beef market of the €100 million cash boost provided to Irish beef farmers, while considering mitigating measures to protect UK beef production. The farming union presidents said the UK beef sector is at 'crisis point':

“We’ve seen downward pressure on farmgate prices throughout the year and this dire situation cannot, and must not, be allowed to continue.

“While we accept that this is a complex situation and there are a number of factors affecting this drop in price, beef farmers cannot continue to sustain this decrease any longer.

“Let’s be absolutely clear - the sustainability of UK beef production is at stake here,” they said.

The unions have called on the UK's leading retailers to alleviate the issue by backing British farming. They added: “We have seen some excellent support from some UK retailers, most notably from the Co-op, Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, Lidl and Aldi, in selling 100% fresh British beef.

“This demonstrates there is strong consumer demand to buy British beef. Tesco, together to agree a set of measures that need Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Iceland represent to be 'urgently' implemented. They call for the 59.6% of the grocery market, which clearly formulation of an 'intense and co-ordinated' shows that very significant potential exists period of product promotion by retailers and and more can be done. processors to help stimulate demand for British beef. UK levy bodies must continue to “The food service sector also has a critical role raise awareness around the values behind to play and we are also calling on them to British beef production, both at home and increase the country of origin labelling of abroad, the president say. beef products on menus.”

AUGUST 2019 25 Brexit: Mass slaughter of sheep 'disastrous' for farmers

The mass slaughter of sheep in Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay this week refused to rule out the possibility that millions the event of a no-deal Brexit is of sheep would need to be slaughtered if UK the 'worst case scenario' and can crashed out of the EU. be avoided if government undertakes contingency support, The National Sheep Association (NSA) has been working on potential contingency plans sheep farmers say. for a number of years and refutes the proposal.

26 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM The government has been urged to provide support for sheep farmers before considering a 'radical resort'

with the EU, allowing it to continue trading with France and other major buyers of UK lamb, this would likely result in the implementation of WTO tariffs. NSA Chairman, Bryan Griffiths the slaughter of prime lambs ready to go into the food chain is an 'absolute worst-case scenario'.

He said the sector is working with government to prevent this from happening.

“The most likely scenario after a no-deal Brexit is the UK trading on WTO terms. This in turn lands sheep farmers with the significant problem of tariffs, which for sheepmeat is somewhere between 40 and 50%.

“This is a problem that will need to be overcome as we currently send some 96% of our sheepmeat exports to the EU.

“However, the solution isn’t just to shoot the animals – the government must work closely with our industry to be creative in its thinking to find the best way forward to underpin the sheepmeat export market until we can regain lost ground,” he said.

Sheep farmers are calling for the government to provide assurance that 'every workable Instead, the body said that contingency solution' will be tried and implemented. Mr support would be sufficient to support the Griffiths added: “The destruction of prime industry and prevent such a drastic move. lamb would be disastrous for our industry and every other avenue must and will be The challenge for the UK sheep sector, which explored first.” exports nearly 40% of total production, is that peak lamb production roughly coincides with The sector is in discussions with Defra and has the date the UK could leaving with no-deal. offered alternatives to the government’s Even if the UK obtains third country status current support proposals.

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NATURA Step NATURA 260 NATURA 264 NATURA 2 Swine fever outbreak could cost UK £85m

An African swine fever (ASF) This total estimate includes costs to the industry, reflecting the lost value of animals outbreak could cost the UK pig from culling, movement bans and trade industry £85m according to new restrictions, as well as costs of up to £5m for government estimates. the government for disease control activities.

However, the National Pig Association (NPA) believes this figure could in fact be higher. Exact costs would be determined by a large

30 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM The UK pig industry believes the government estimate of £85m could actually be higher

following a meeting with NPA members at the Lincolnshire Show. He was also asked what additional resource has been allocated to UK border force to provide communications to the public on and increase surveillance of imported meat products from areas affected by ASF.

This question has taken on even more significance following the discovery of ASF DNA in illegally imported meat seized by port authorities in Northern Ireland.

He said Defra was working with Border Force to focus communications on passengers travelling through ports and airports when returning to the UK from the EU and Asia.

“We are in the process of developing a set of communications that will be distributed across UK ports and airports informing people of the disease risk and asking that they do not bring personal pork imports into the UK.

“These messages will be communicated through a combination of posters, leaflets, and social media” Mr Rutley said.

NPA senior policy advisor Ed Barker said he was pleased to see the ASF threat being discussed more frequently in Parliament. number of factors including geographic location, the husbandry system, “We note that the government estimates that epidemiology of the outbreak and whether an ASF outbreak could cost the industry wildlife was involved, David Rutley, a £85m. Parliamentary Under-Secretary at Defra, said. “We believe the real cost could be much Mr Rutley was responding to a series of higher, especially when the loss of pork questions about ASF posed by Cleethorpes exports, worth nearly £500 million in 2018, is MP Martin Vickers, who raised the issue taken into account,” he said.

AUGUST 2019 31 Last year, incidents included agricultural vehicles being stolen to smash into village shops to rob cash machines

Rural crime cost the UK £50m in 2018 as brazen criminals continue to target farmers' livelihoods leading to heightened anxiety and rural isolation for many affected.

32 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM Rural crime hits £50m as brazen criminals target farmers

Crimes such as machinery and livestock In its 2019 Rural Crime Report, rural insurer theft have reached a seven-year high in NFU Mutual looks at the impact that crime terms of cost, new figures released on 5th is having on rural communities throughout August show. the UK.

Farmers are routinely deploying high-tech Claims figures reveal that rural crime cost the security devices to counter this wave of UK £50m last year, an increase of 12% on the organised crime in the countryside. previous year.

AUGUST 2019 33 The biggest percentage increase was seen in buildings, these raids can lead to shop owners Scotland (62%), although its rural crime cost not replacing ATMs for fear of further attacks.” remains below the UK average. Changing life in the countryside The second-highest regional rise was 25% in One of the most alarming findings from this North East England and the third was East year’s report is that fear of crime is changing Anglia with a rise of 22%. life in the countryside.

Despite this, the cost of rural theft fell in two From constant reports of thefts and regions – Wales, down 7% and the South suspicious vehicles touring the countryside to West, down by just 1%. rural criminals regularly staking out farms, country people feel they are under siege. The sharp rises are being driven mainly by high value thefts of tractors, quad bikes The rural insurer's survey of 300 local and other farm vehicles – up 26% to £7.4m NFU Mutual Agents who work closely in 2018. with rural communities has revealed that repeat attacks are causing widespread 'Links to money laundering and drugs' anxiety and exacerbating the problems The last time rural theft reached the current of rural isolation amongst farmers who level was in 2011 when international gangs often work alone all day. took advantage of a largely unsecured countryside, according to NFU Mutual. Some farmers are so concerned about the risk of criminal attack they can no Tim Price, Rural Affairs Specialist, said: “Today, longer leave the farm with their family to we are seeing another rise as organised attend local events. criminal gangs with links to money laundering and drugs find ways to beat The industry is tackling this issue through security and steal farm vehicles. the ‘Mind Your Head' campaign launched by the Farm Safety Foundation to raise “Farmers and country people are suffering awareness and understanding of mental from high levels of anxiety due to repeated health in agriculture. thefts by gangs who take advantage of farms’ isolated locations to steal machinery, raid tool New technology to protect livelihoods stores and even butcher sheep in the fields. Farmers are turning to new technology to protect their fields and farmyards using “In a single generation, country people have a range of innovative measures, the seen rural crime change from the opportunist report shows. theft of a single lamb, to brazen heists of tractors worth over £100,000 and rustlers These include devices such as infra-red stealing hundreds of sheep.” beams which send alerts to mobile phones being used to protect farm yards; He added: “We are even seeing agricultural geo-fencing, which triggers an alarm if vehicles being stolen to smash into village tractors go beyond farm boundaries, and shops to rob cash machines. As well livestock marking which puts thousands of as causing huge structural micro-dots into fleeces. damage to

34 WWW.FARMINGUK.COM Police too are using technology to catch “There’s no doubt that when police, rural criminals including operating drones farmers and other rural organisations tackle for investigations and using social media rural crime in an organised way they get networks to share intelligence with results,” he said. rural communities. The report's figures are used by police forces Mr Price said that by combining modern to help them understand rural crime on their technology with physical fortifications, patch and plan rural police responses. farmers are trying to keep one step ahead of the thieves. In Scotland, NFU Mutual provides financial support for the Scottish Partnership Against “Together with digging ditches and putting Rural Crime (SPARC). It also provides support up earth banks to prevent criminals getting and expert advice to local farm and rural on to farm land, these electronic devices are watch schemes. proving to be effective weapons in the fight against rural crime.

“This is increasingly important because today’s determined thieves come armed with battery-powered angle grinders which can cut through chains and padlocks in seconds to access farm buildings and tool sheds,” he said.

Specialist police resources Since 2010 NFU Mutual has invested £1.5m in security initiatives including a specialist police resource through the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) coordinating theft intelligence between police forces, Border Force and Interpol.

While tractor theft rose 26% to £7.4m last year, it is still below its peak of £10million in 2010.

Mr Price added: “The good news is that security technology is developing fast and we’re already clearly seeing that thieves avoid tractors fitted with good security kit and sheep that have been marked with microdots.

“Innovative use of social media to report criminal activity is also working well in some areas - and reducing isolation.

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