The Farmers' Union of Wales has stressed that farmers should be regarded as professionals when treating their livestock and not as mere "members of the public" as proposed by the UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
The union's view is highlighted in a report it sent today to the VMD which is proposing banning the advertising of antimicrobial medicines (antibiotics).
Such a move would be the first step in bringing the UK into line with parts of Europe where farmers are considered "members of the public" and adverts for other products such as wormers and vaccines are also banned.
Discussions are already underway in Europe which could also see UK farmers classed as "members of the public" rather than skilled professionals, potentially extending the ban to cover more veterinary products.
"If these proposals are approved by Ministers, companies would be banned from advertising animal medicinal products to farmers leaving them without key information on animal health and disease as only vets would then be allowed to market such products," said FUW deputy president, Bala beef and sheep farmer Emyr Jones.
After consulting all its 12 county branches, the FUW has written to VMD pointing out that livestock farmers have the required training, experience and knowledge to be defined as "professionals".
"Given that farmers are entrusted with producing food that is safe to consume and is produced to high environmental and welfare standards, the Union believes it is imperative that they should be able to easily receive essential information which directly affects the health of the livestock under their care," Mr Jones said.
An advertising ban was also firmly rejected by farmers in a Farmers Guardian poll this week in which 94 per cent of respondents said they were strongly against any reclassification of farmers' professional status.
Eighty-seven per cent said they were "strongly against" the ban with nine per cent saying they were "slightly against". Only six of more than 500 respondents said they were either slightly or strongly in favour of the VMD's plans due to come into force this December.
"Our consultation and the Farmers' Guardian's poll clearly illustrates that an advertising ban would be a backward step for animal health and welfare at a time when we are striving to prove to consumers how responsible and professional livestock farmers really are," Mr Jones added.