We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Labour Conference
There was little mainstream interest in farming at this year’s Labour Party Conference, but there was plenty of heated debate on the fringes. Alistair Driver reports.
Benn's response to policy questions
Peter Kendall cited Defra’s approach to the EU Pesticides Directive and Bluetongue as rare examples of support for productive agriculture.
But there were, he said, too many examples of where the opposite was true and Defra’s priorities were misplaced.
Some of these, and Mr Benn’s responses, are outlined below.
• The implementation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations
Hilary Benn: “We have listened and we have changed some things. But let’s recognise that Nitrates pollution is a problem and something has got to be done about it. I can’t say we have capital grants to offer because we don’t.”
• The removal of sea defences in Norfolk, exposing farmland to flooding
Hilary Benn: “In addition to flood defence schemes we are putting money into, I think you will find farmers and local communities saying we will be prepared to contribute to something as well.
I think that is a sensible approach to take.”
• Plans to retain a form of set-aside in England
Hilary Benn: “There will be further work about how these measures are implemented. The question is: ‘What is the right thing to do on the basis of the evidence and the practicalities?’ I hope you recognise that I do listen and I do try to make sure that the environment prospers alongside agriculture.”
• The refusal to allow a badger cull
Hilary Benn: “In the end I made a decision based on what the science said. I had to make that judgement and I stand by it.”
• Plans for further CAP reform
Hilary Benn: “The CAP has made life very difficult in other countries. That’s why reform is so important. The UK is at the leading edge of countries arguing for reform of the CAP.”
Source:
Conferences
