Responsibility and cost sharing takes next steps

The new RCS advisory group, announced on Wednesday, includes 10 industry representatives, including some linked to organisations which have expressed outright opposition to the plans.

The group, chaired by economist Rosemary Radcliffe, the architect of the recent levy board reforms, will also include four Defra representatives and consumer and veterinary representatives.

Negotiations

In addition, NFU head of food and farming, Kevin Pearce, who has played a key role in negotiations on the policy up to this point, will sit in on meetings as a co-opted member.

The NFU’s representation is limited to uplands spokesman Will Cockbain, as Defra has cast a wide net to ensure the group represents the ‘true interests and views of the entire livestock industry’.

The group was appointed by Defra Secretary Hilary Benn, who asked industry leaders to nominate individuals who are ‘held in high respect by their peers and command industry-wide credibility’.

The group will report to Mr Benn by late 2010, advising him on the constitution and functions of the proposed new animal health body and how to align its responsibilities with those of Defra. It will also scrutinise Defra’s spending on animal health in the context of the cost sharing element of the plans.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the group would ‘develop our shared vision for the farming industry’. “We need to move forward and secure these reforms that will put the industry on a stronger footing for generations to come,” he said.

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