Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment, Mick Bates, has written to the Minister for Rural Affairs demanding urgent intervention as the farming industry is devastated by more foot and mouth outbreaks:

“This morning I have been lobbied by farmers, auctioneers and abattoirs on the collapse of the lamb market.

“There is a backlog of small lambs after the August outbreak as well as this recent outbreak and farmers are reeling from the effects of a real depression in market prices. Already lamb prices have seen a 20% reduction compared to this time last year.

“This is normally the peak time of year for the rural industry and for sheep farmers in particular. The effect of the ban on trade and export is only deepening the frustration and fear that is being felt within the farming community.

“The need to establish a livestock welfare disposal or storage scheme is now of utmost importance.

“I call upon the Assembly Government consider an interim welfare package to help the thousands of farmers who cannot move their livestock. I also urge that Single Farm Payments are made available as soon as possible, to help farmers who are now facing financial ruin.”


End / Diwedd