DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (53/09) issued by
COI News Distribution Service. 10 March 2009
Farmers will have
more opportunities to discuss their views, ideas and concerns with
Defra staff at this year's Livestock Market roadshow.
The UK-wide tour, beginning on 13 March in Hexham and Exeter,
will consist of visits to more than 80 markets throughout the
year, giving farmers the chance to talk directly to government
representatives about areas that affect the industry.
Farming Minister Jane Kennedy said:
"I really hope farmers take this opportunity to talk to
Defra officials about their concerns or raise issues - we're
there to listen as well as provide information, and I'm
looking forward to attending one of the roadshows myself.
"I know for a fact that farmers feel very strongly about the
direction their industry should be heading, and this is an
excellent opportunity for them to speak face to face with government.
"Last autumn Defra visited 77 markets and spoke to more than
3,200 farmers. Over the course of this year we'll visit more
than 80, meaning more farmers will be able to share their views on
their own turf."
The topics farmers are likely to raise at the markets are as
diverse as Bluetongue, electronic identification of sheep,
nitrates, bovine TB, Classical Swine Fever; Avian Influenza and
the impact of climate change on agriculture.
Notes to editors
1. For the official schedule of the Livestock Market roadshow,
see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/control/markets/index.htm
2. For further information on any of the above topics, please
visit the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/index.htm
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
To subscribe or unsubscribe to Defra's mailing list go to: http://nds.coi.gov.uk
Once on the NDS website see Sign up
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website
http://www.defra.gov.uk