A new industry-led task force headed by former NFU Director General Richard Macdonald will look at ways of reducing the stranglehold of red tape on farmers and growers.
Agriculture Minister Jim Paice made the announcement at Cereals 2010 calling for the bureaucratic burdens on the farming industry to be ‘examined under a microscope to identify ways of reducing regulatory burdens’. A review of the relevant regulations and their implementation, as well as advice on how to achieve a risk-based system of regulation in the future, will be carried out by the task force.
NFU President Peter Kendall said: “The announcement is just the commitment the industry needs. The coalition government is standing by its promise to review this area which will help ensure we have a competitive food and farming sector in the future.
“Farmers repeatedly cite the culmalative burden of regulation as a key barrier to increased productivity. The NFU has long lobbied for a reduction in costly red tape arguing that moving to a risk-based approach is the only answer. I would also hope that the review will scrutinise the gold-plating of regulations.
“Richard Macdonald is well-placed to head this task force as he has a wealth of experience, solid leadership skills, as well as a unique knowledge of the farming and food industry.”
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- eric stephenson - 21/11/2010
RED TAPE. The Environment Agency has sent a form: 'Agricultural Waste Exemptions - Renewal of exemptions 7 and 19.' It is a ridiculous waste of valuable time to have to apply, let alone apply annually to do our routine work. For over 50 years I have burnt and ploughed in the potash from the cut-off twigs from hedge maintenance and trimming so why is someone employed in a 'non-job' devising forms which hinder my work. Likewise we recycle broken bricks and rubble from our own buildings into repairing pot holes in our farm roads - but must apply for the exemption to seek permission just to do what is common sense. Can the NFU do anything about this?
- Russell Gambier - 21/10/2010
re Dairy inspections. Milk is sampled on a regular basis for antibiotics, bactoscans, cell counts as well as fat and protein. These should determine the regularity of inspections as poor results = high risk, not a few cobwebs discovered in the corner of a bulk tank room!