2016-08-08 |
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Livestock Industry Unites to Deliver Government Policy
Key stakeholders from the livestock sector across England, Wales and Scotland gathered in Birmingham on Thursday 4th August to plan a route forward for farming after Brexit.
Agreeing that the industry bodies should work together, the organisations started to look at ways they can positively support the UK and devolved Governments as negotiations start and crucial decisions are made in this long process.
Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association, instigated bringing the organisations together, believing that a collaborative approach between the livestock sector and Governments can only be beneficial at a time when a framework for the future of the industry needs to be formed that is as robust as possible to pass on to the next generation.
Attending the meeting were 10 UK livestock industry organisations, Farmers Union of Wales, Tennant Farmers Association, Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, National beef Association, National Sheep Association, National Pig Association, National Farmers Union of Scotland, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, Livestock Auctioneers Association and Scottish Beef Association.
“We agreed that regular meetings of this nature will now take place going forward to discuss trade, support and future regulatory issues and developments. This is a positive opportunity for the livestock sector to shape future policy post Brexit, and to help Governments as much as possible by working in a collaborative way to deliver a profitable and dynamic industry”, said Mr Dodds.
The group agreed to work through the practical implications of the various policy development aspects ahead so that issues can be discussed with Governments in a united way, whilst maintaining the respective organisations’ individual responsibilities to their members and respecting devolution. It was agreed that this is far too important an issue for the industry to approach it in a fragmented way. The industry’s future is at stake, and the next generation must be protected. Working together will provide the best opportunity to get it right.
The group are all looking forward to a positive future, whilst appreciating that they have to be creative and support the Governments with solid recommendations to show that there is one overall message from the UK livestock sector. There is a need to be clear and articulate and to provide a strong voice”.
