Concerns have been raised over “catastrophic” Welsh border rules for the movement of livestock which could cost farmers thousands.
North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan, has written a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, calling for a solution to be found to issues surrounding new rules put in place to stop the spread of the bluetongue virus.
The rules which are set to come into force on July 1, will see any cow, sheep or goat travelling into Wales have to be tested for the virus which can cost anywhere from £40-£70 – which would cost farmers in the area thousands to move flocks. An update from the Welsh Government on Friday said vaccinated cattle would be allowed to cross, but sheep still need to be tested.
READ MORE: Farmer fears she will have to sell sheep over disease rules on Welsh border
In the letter Ms Morgan said: “The decision by the Welsh Government to limit livestock movement from England into Wales will be catastrophic for the cross-border trade that so many farmers rely on.
“I am deeply concerned about the potential spread of Blue Tongue and believe we need a workable solution to contain its spread, and protect livestock and farmers.
RECOMMENDED READING:
“I realise that there are a great many aspects of the management of this disease to consider by DEFRA and Welsh Government, but the rules they collectively impose must not make farming life impossible for farmers with cross border farms.
“Is it really sensible that a farmer has to test an animal because it moves from one field to another on their farm, when that field border is the Welsh/English border?”
She called for the Welsh Government and DEFRA to reach “a sensible and workable solution for both cross border farms” adding that the new rules would be an “impossible cost burden on farmers”.
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber you will get
- Unlimited access to the Oswestry Advertizer website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
“Farmers in Shropshire are already under intense pressure and now they are being forced to fork out because two Labour Governments are not working together,” said Ms Morgan.
“This is the latest in a long list of blows delivered to farmers by Ministers who clearly do not understand how agriculture works.
“The Governments in Westminster and Cardiff must work together to support farmers on both sides of the border and give them the clarity and consistency they need.”
Share