FUW WELCOMES VOTE TO EASE RESTRICTIONS ON FALLEN STOCK DISPOSAL

The Farmers' Union of Wales has welcomed a European Parliament Environment Committee vote in favour of easing restrictions on the disposal of fallen stock.

The recommendation to the European Commission was made after a series of amendments jointly proposed by Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans and SNP colleague Alyn Smith.

The amendments call on the EC to revise its rules to enable individual member states to distinguish the definition of "remote areas", therefore allowing greater flexibility on on-farm burning or burial in some cases.

FUW Hill Farming Chairman Derek Morgan said: "The committee's recommendation is an important first step towards realising the industry's needs for a commonsense approach to the fallen stock issue.

"The industry badly needs a system that minimises the financial implications and biosecurity risks of having to pay for fallen stock to be transported from farm to farm before being incinerated or rendered, rather than being buried on farm."

During the meeting there was also support for the principle of on-farm containment which could particularly benefit sheep farmers who farm extensively in upland and less accessible areas.