04/04/2003
UUP MLA concerned at new fallen animal rules
Ulster Unionist Mid-Ulster MLA, Billy Armstrong has called on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to follow Scotland’s lead, and delay introducing the ban on burying fallen stock on farms.
Mr Armstrong said such a decision would allow time for adequate collection and disposal measures to be put in place to cope with new EU rules.
He added: “Existing collection and disposal service for cattle must be expanded, in light of new EU rules preventing farmers from disposing of fallen animals on their own property, to come into effect by May 1st 2003.
"I am calling on DARD to introduce a comprehensive collection and disposal service for all fallen animals affected by the new EU Regulation on Animal by-products.”
Mr Armstrong said a situation had already arisen where profit margins on Holstein bull calves were so slim that rearing them was not an option.
"Farmers should not have to pay for the disposal of these animals.
“I am calling for the Department of Agriculture to widen their collection and disposal scheme already in existence to accommodate all carcasses affected under this EU Regulation. I understand that Europe will match-fund any Member State contributions associated with paying for such a collection and disposal service and I have requested a meeting with the Minister, Ian Pearson and his Officials to discuss this matter further," he concluded.
(MB)
Mr Armstrong said such a decision would allow time for adequate collection and disposal measures to be put in place to cope with new EU rules.
He added: “Existing collection and disposal service for cattle must be expanded, in light of new EU rules preventing farmers from disposing of fallen animals on their own property, to come into effect by May 1st 2003.
"I am calling on DARD to introduce a comprehensive collection and disposal service for all fallen animals affected by the new EU Regulation on Animal by-products.”
Mr Armstrong said a situation had already arisen where profit margins on Holstein bull calves were so slim that rearing them was not an option.
"Farmers should not have to pay for the disposal of these animals.
“I am calling for the Department of Agriculture to widen their collection and disposal scheme already in existence to accommodate all carcasses affected under this EU Regulation. I understand that Europe will match-fund any Member State contributions associated with paying for such a collection and disposal service and I have requested a meeting with the Minister, Ian Pearson and his Officials to discuss this matter further," he concluded.
(MB)
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