Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Mixed views on 'Milk For Farmers'
milk
Nearly 60 per cent of consumers thought they shouldn't have to pay more for products, as farmers should already be getting a fair price.
Poll reveals shoppers' views on premium products
 
More than 70 per cent of consumers who took part in a recent poll said they would pay more for a product if they knew the extra money would go to the farmer.

However, the survey also revealed nearly 60 per cent of people thought they shouldn't have to pay more, as farmers should already be getting a fair price. Just over 40 per cent, on the other hand, said consumers had a responsibility to support British farmers.

The poll was carried out by the sustainability consultancy Footprint, following the news that Morrisons would launch a new premium-cost milk brand to support farmers.

Set to appear on supermarket shelves this autumn, 'Milk For Farmers' will cost 10p per litre more than Morrisons' other own-brand milk - with the extra money going direct to farmers. The move was announced following recent protests about low milk prices.

The poll asks the question: 'Should customers be expected to pay extra to support farmers rather than suppliers or retailers offering the farmer a better deal?'

According to the results, 42.9 per cent of consumers to take part thought a new brand giving more to farmers is a must. Yet 42.9 per cent said farmers should be paid a fair price to begin with, whereas 14.3 per cent were concerned higher prices would put people off buying British.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.