DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (34/09) issued by
COI News Distribution Service. 17 February 2009
A new task force
aimed at helping secure the future of the pig meat industry was
announced by Farming Minister Jane Kennedy today.
The Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force will focus on helping the
whole supply chain to thrive in a way that is sustainable in the
long term. It will bring together key representatives, from all
sectors in the pig meat supply chain to increase collaboration
between Government and the various sectors in the industry.
The Task Force will examine areas of concern that may include
labelling, public sector procurement, endemic disease, and better
communications throughout the supply chain.
Speaking at the NFU's annual conference in Birmingham, Ms
Kennedy said:
"The passion and commitment of Britain's farmers is
evident nowhere more than in the pig industry. And while many
parts of the industry are highly organised, professional and
forward thinking, it does face some serious problems and challenges.
"Everyone involved in the pig meat supply chain has a duty
to ensure that there is a fair deal for all and that ultimately
includes the consumer.
"Therefore, I am convening a task force for the pig meat
supply chain, which will meet for the first time next month.
"The Task Force will be tightly focused on what needs to be
done to improve confidence in the long term future of the British
pig industry."
Under its draft Terms of Reference, the Task Force will aim to
improve the resilience of the pigmeat supply chain through
increased collaboration and achieving best practice throughout the
chain. It may make recommendations for changes but its primary
focus will be on increasing resilience within the current
regulatory framework.
Ms Kennedy also launched a vision for anaerobic digestion, the
process of breaking down organic material such as food waste and
farm manures and slurries to create heat and power and transport fuel.
Ms Kennedy said:
"We're producing more organic waste in this country
than we can handle, over 12 million tonnes of food waste a year -
and farmers know all too well the challenges of managing manure
and slurry.
"There are alternatives to sending organic waste to
landfill. Anaerobic digestion is a true solution.
"This material could produce enough heat and power to run
more than two million homes - helping to prevent dangerous climate
change by providing a renewable energy source as well as reducing
our reliance on landfill."
Notes to editors:
1. A link to the Anaerobic Digestion Vision can be found at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/ad
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