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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th July 2015
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Prime Minister announces £7 billion food growth plan
attle vet
By summer 2016, farmers will only have to deal with one Single Farm Inspection Taskforce.
20,000 fewer farm inspections

David Cameron has announced a series of proposals to 'cut red tape' for British farmers, including 20,000 fewer farm inspections and a new single Farm Inspection Taskforce.

The Prime Minister introduced his plans to boost productivity and grow food and farming during a visit to the Royal Welsh Show in Powys.

Under existing inspection regimes, seven regulators carry out over 125,000 farm inspections every year to England's 250,000 farms. The government say that streamlining the process and making better use of the technology and data, will radically reduce the number of inspections.

By summer 2016, farmers will only have to deal with one Single Farm Inspection Taskforce, which will combine farm visits with mandatory checks. The Task Force will use the latest technology to streamline the approach to inspections - for example, using satellite data to analyse different crop types in fields.

It is hoped that the changes will create over £7 billion worth of new opportunities to grow food and drink exports from the whole of the UK, to countries outside of the EU. This would create more rural jobs, bringing greater investment to local communities and grow Britain's economy.

In a statement David Cameron said:  "I am very pleased to be at the Royal Welsh Show today to see the best in livestock, food and drink Wales has to offer.

"Farming and food production are a fundamental part of our rural economy. As a one nation government, we will keep on backing British farmers to grow and sell more home-grown food by liberating them from red tape and opening up new multi-million pound export markets.

"I hope that the Welsh government also looks to do more to simplify inspections to benefit the industry and rural communities."

Other proposals announced by the Prime Minister include increasing Protected Food Names - such as Carmarthen Ham and Welsh Laverbread - and the creation of a new UK-wide Food Innovation Network. 

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.