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Project to increase resilience of dairy industry
The N8 AgriFood programme is one of five projects being funded by the UK’s Global Food Security programme.
N8 AgriFood to look at animal health in a post-Brexit UK

A major project that aims to make the UK dairy industry more sustainable and resilient has been launched.

The N8 AgriFood programme will look at issues around environmental impact, animal health and farmer incomes in a post-Brexit UK.

Incorporating researchers from the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds and Liverpool, the project is being funded through the UK’s Global Food Security programme. It will involve collaboration with a range of stakeholders in the dairy industry, including FirstMilk.

“We are very excited about this project. It builds on the University of Liverpool’s strengths in food systems, infectious diseases and socio-economics,” said professor Diana Williams from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health.

“We will work with dairy farmers to investigate the relationship between managing the environment and changing disease risk while improving dairy sector resilience, to maintain long-term milk supplies for consumers at reasonable prices.”

Professor Mark Reed, who is leading the project from the University of Newcastle, added: “The project is about balancing competing demands and pressures in the industry.

“We aim to explore innovative ways of making dairy systems better for the natural environment and for farmers’ livelihoods, while maintaining long-term supplies for consumers at reasonable prices, at a time of unpredictable challenges like climate change.”

The N8 AgriFood programme is one of five projects being funded by the UK’s Global Food Security programme.

The projects bring together researchers and food producers, manufacturers and retailers working in several areas; from understanding the role of phosphorus as a key nutrient in crop and livestock production to better understanding of how different landscapes affect crop-pollinating insects.

For more information about the projects, visit foodsecurity.ac.uk

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.