Government ‘repugnant’ after outbreak

12:50pm Tuesday 18th March 2008

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THE new chairman of the Tenant Farmers' Association (TFA) has launched a scathing attack on the Government.

Greg Bliss described the Government's refusal to pay compensation for last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak as "morally repugnant".

He accused politicians of "hiding behind legal technicalities" to avoid compensating livestock farmers who lost thousands of pounds through lost trade.

The outbreak - estimated to have cost the industry £100m and taxpayers a further £50m - was caused by the virus escaping from the Government's Pirbright facilities, in Surrey.

Mr Bliss said: "When compared to the support given to one financial institution, which was the cause of its own demise - Northern Rock - there is no wonder farmers believe that the Government has turned its back upon them."

Addressing the TFA annual meeting, in London, he said the arrival of bluetongue in the midst of foot-and -mouth had been a cruel blow. He appreciated the difficulties of trying to control the spread of the disease but found it "deeply concerning" that the Government would not pay compensation for animals slaughtered having contracted the disease.

Farmers were waiting to see if the delivery of the £22.5m doses of vaccine would both work and arrive in time.

Mr Bliss also commented on the Government's consultation about farmers sharing the cost and responsibility of animal diseases.

He said it was being carried out with the perception that the industry does not already contribute to the costs.

"However, it is clear from data contained in the Farm Business Survey that farmers spend an enormous amount of money on vet and medicines when animal disease strikes,"

he said.

"They are also happy to shoulder all the consequential losses of losing animals and, in some cases, some or all of the value of the animal.

"The TFA is fundamentally opposed to any further shifting of these costs across to the industry."

Earlier, Mr Bliss praised Reg Haydon, outgoing chairman for his 13 years in office, which saw him turn it into a effective and highly regarded organisation.

The Association made Mr Haydon - who outlasted 11 agricultural ministers - a trustee and the first honorary life president of the TFA.