BVA responds to new farming proposals
"Vets play a crucial role in UK agriculture, from the farm-gate through to trade certification and border checks"
Public goods of animal health and welfare must lay at the heart of new agricultural policy, the BVA has urged.
BVA president John Fishwick made the comments in response to the environment secretary’s proposals set out in the ‘Health and Harmony: The Future for Food, Farming and the Environment in a Green Brexit’ consultation.
The consultation, which launched today (27 February), gives farmers the opportunity to have their say on government thinking as Britain prepares to leave the EU.
John Fishwick said: “Today’s paper rightly sets out a move from direct payments to public money being used for public goods that benefit producers, consumers and wider society. Animal health and welfare underpin the reputation of UK agricultural produce, so it is essential that these are supported as public goods in agricultural policy post-Brexit.
“Vets play a crucial role in UK agriculture, from the farm-gate through to trade certification and border checks, so it’s vital that the Government use veterinary expertise to best effect in the development and delivery of any new policy and plans.”
He continued: “If we are to maintain our global reputation for high standards of animal health and welfare, and improve our trade links with the rest of the world, any future investment in the UK farming industry must be targeted at measures to maintain and enhance those standards.
“With all eyes on Westminster, we’d urge serious consideration be given to the coordination of agricultural policy across all four regions of the UK as we head towards Brexit.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
