Welsh Government have commissioned Bristol University to undertake a sheep scab survey in conjunction with HCC, NSA and WLBP.  The aim of the survey is to determine the incidence of sheep scab in Wales in order to inform future eradication programmes.

The FUW is therefore encouraging members to fill in the survey in order to ensure that the results are a fair representation of the disease in Wales.

Sheep Scab Survey

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has today congratulated Ceredigion County Council for joining the Union it in its efforts to eradicate Bovine TB from Wales.

In light of the complete breakdown of the inadequate current non-scientific vaccination programme the Council considered a motion that called on the Welsh Government and all political parties to support and implement a programme of targeted badger culling.

This has been a long standing demand of the Farmers’ Union of Wales: “On average over 150 cattle a week, many perfectly healthy, are destroyed every week in Wales as a result of a weak-willed effort to eradicate Bovine TB” said Alan Davies, Managing Director of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

“The pressures under which our members and many other farmers operate as a result of many failed Bovine TB interventions, generate enormous strain on families and communities. This has to stop and the only sensible way forward is to adopt a proactive programme of Badger control. That means culling”

Political parties may find it difficult to respond positively to this demand as the emotive language of culling jeopardises political support. “That is totally unacceptable as a response: livelihoods are at risk, physical and mental health is challenged and families suffer incredibly when dealing with an outbreak of TB. We must therefore stop protecting badgers and institute positive, proactive controls to reduce the badger population significantly.”

[caption id="attachment_6264" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lord Dafydd Wigley, FUW President Glyn Roberts, FUW Managing Director Alan Davies and David Jones MP[/caption]

Two political heavyweights went head to head at today’s Farmers’ Union of Wales EU debate, putting the spotlight firmly on the upcoming referendum.

The FUW was the first Union out of the starting block to host Lord Dafydd Wigley from the ‘Stronger in Europe’ campaign and David Jones MP, a former Secretary of State for Wales, at the debate, which was held at IBERS, Aberystwyth.

The event was attended by over a hundred FUW members and members of other farming Unions in Wales and firmly confirmed why the FUW has been a strong supporter of remaining part of the European Union.

Alan Davies, FUW Managing Director, who chaired the debate, said: “We have got the ball rolling and the FUW’s role in kick starting the platform for a debate is invaluable to agriculture and to Wales’ rural economy.

“The agri industry needs to be informed on all the aspects of what it means for us to leave the EU and what it will mean for us to remain part of the EU.

“Today was the first out of a series of 4 EU debates that will continue after the Welsh Assembly elections in the run-up to June 23 as we strive to provide our members with as much information as possible so they can make an informed decision when it comes to the vote.”

[caption id="attachment_6265" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Rt Hon. the Lord Wigley[/caption]

Arguing for the UK to stay part of Europe was Lord Dafydd Wigley, who said: “As far as the agricultural industry here in Wales is concerned I have no doubt whatsoever that the arguments for remaining part of the European Union are totally overwhelming in terms of our market share, in terms of the financial aid we get from Europe, in terms of our ability to build on the markets we have already developed and have the potential to do more. The argument for Welsh agriculture must be to remain part of the European Union.”

[caption id="attachment_6266" align="alignright" width="300"] The Rt Hon David Jones MP[/caption]

Making the case for a Brexit was David Jones MP, a former Secretary of State for Wales, who said: “I am pleased to be here at the FUW EU referendum debate, which is extremely important and it is particularly important for farmers to hear both sides of the argument.

“I know that the FUW has taken a corporate position to support remaining part of the EU, but that may not be the opinion of all of its membership, so I think it’s an important part of democracy that we have these debates.”

The recent announcement that Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will be increased by 0.5 percent has been described as another blow for the industry by FUW Insurance Services.

“We are extremely disappointed as this is the second increase in IPT in less than a year and follows last July’s increase from 6 percent to 9.5 percent, with the rate having doubled in the last five years and raising £8 billion in that time,” said FUW Insurance Services Managing Director Mark Roberts.

“We are worried that the Chancellor sees increasing IPT on insurance as an easy target and plans to bring the rate in line with VAT, because unlike VAT, IPT cannot be claimed back by the businesses we insure.

“Any further increases in IPT would be a severe blow to the responsible businesses and households that insure with us and there is a real risk that those already struggling to make ends meet will reduce their cover or stop insuring altogether; Something that could ultimately prove disastrous.”