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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th July 2012
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
Code of practice imminent for dairy farmers
Fairer pricing needed for dairy farmers

Following cross-industry talks at the Royal Welsh Show this July, a code of practice to ensure fairer pricing for dairy farmers is on the way.

At the show it was agreed by officials, farmers, processors and retailers that “in future, contracts between farmers and dairy processors will be freely negotiated, fairer and more transparent".

However, EFRACOM, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, have written to Jim Paice, minister for farming, to outline their frustration on the issue and to ensure the code is approved by September or they may call on Caroline Spelman, DEFRA secretary of state.

EFRACom chairman Anne McIntosh said: "We urge the Government to secure the voluntary code as a matter of priority. If it cannot then legislation must be considered. We are delighted that talks on the code are going ahead but we will reserve the possible decision to invite the Secretary of State before us in September if no formal decision is reached."


DEFRA has announced that talks to formalise a code will take place during August 2012, with the aim of ensuring individual farmers are able to negotiate the terms of their milk contacts, including pricing and notice periods.

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.