DEFRA TB DECISION - A DEVASTATING BLOW FOR HARD-WORKING FARM FAMILIES
The Tenant Farmers Association has condemned the Government’s refusal to tackle the problem of endemic TB in the nation's badger population as a snub to hard-working farm families who will be devastated by the Government's lack of concern for their future.
TFA National Chairman, Greg Bliss said "The decision not to tackle the problem of TB in badgers appears to have been made as a spineless attempt to stop an unpopular Government's ratings from declining further in the eyes of the public. However, in so doing, this Government, as in so many other ways, has turned its back on hard-working families. I represent those in the farming community who do not own the land they farm or the houses they live in. Their livelihood is tied up in their livestock and it seems to us that the Government cares not a jot if they lose this livelihood because they lose their animals to TB”.
Ten years ago the Government launched a major scientific study looking at the contribution of infected badgers to the spread of bovine TB and how they might be controlled as part of an eradication strategy for the disease. The industry's co-operation with this scientific study, known as the Kreb’s trial, was secured on the basis that the Government would implement a strategy based on the conclusions of that study. The Kreb’s trial has concluded that infected badgers are a significant contributor to the spread of bovine TB and that this contribution can be significantly diminished through a widespread, long term and intensive cull of infected badgers.
"The message from the scientific research is unpalatable but it cannot be ignored. The farming community wants healthy badgers and healthy cattle and therefore we cannot allow the disease of TB to remain endemic in our countryside. We elect governments to make difficult decisions based on sound science. On this occasion, the Government is simply covering its own back by ducking the issue," said Mr Bliss.
"At this year's Royal show, Hilary Benn made a short address at a reception organised by the Farming Help charities. He said he was grateful for the work of the charities and their volunteers in the help and support that they provide to hard-pressed farm families. It is ironic therefore that he should make an announcement today which will see the workload of those charities multiply with the increase in the financial and emotional stress that he has caused," said Mr Bliss.
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Ref: MR14
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Date: 7 July 2008
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Notes for Editors:
Greg Bliss, will be available for interviews on stand number 656 at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate on all three days of the show, 08 to 10 July. He will also be holding a Press Conference at the Press centre at the Great Yorkshire Show at 11:00am on Tuesday, 08 July to answer questions on this and other issues.
For further information contact the TFA on 0118 930 6130.
The Tenant Farmers Association is the only organisation dedicated to the agricultural tenanted sector and is the authentic voice of tenant farmers. The TFA lobbies at all levels of Government and gives expert advice to members.
