Livestock Farmers 2022-03-10
2022-03-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows from the Minister's previous statement on supporting livestock farmers.
What steps he is taking to support livestock farmers. What progress has been made in examining the Welsh compensation scheme for cattle destroyed due to suspected tuberculosis? I understand that the Welsh model pays the value of the animal, unlike standardised valuations in England, particularly concerning prize-winning high-quality breeds.
The Welsh Government are considering moving away from individual animal valuation towards table valuation, similar to England. My hon. Friend recently met the Secretary of State with her constituent Andrew Birkle to discuss this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on replacing standardised valuations in England were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner references a recent “Panorama” episode that shows farms not meeting animal welfare standards despite professing to adopt them.
Most livestock farmers want to follow best animal welfare standards, and consumers need confidence in this. The “Panorama” episode “A Cow's Life” showed another Red Tractor farm not meeting these standards. What is she doing to ensure better consumer confidence and compliance with animal welfare standards?
The hon. Lady has discussed these issues previously. She raises an important issue of animal welfare. I would be delighted to talk about our recently published animal health and welfare pathway, including annual vet visits to every farm for direct discussions between vets and farmers.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific details on measures to ensure better consumer confidence were provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The pig sector is in crisis with thousands of animals being dammed back on farms and more than 40,000 culled due to food security issues.
As the pandemic highlighted food security issues, the current situation in Ukraine exacerbates them. The UK pig sector faces a crisis with animals culled on farms not entering the supply chain, creating health and welfare problems. What measures are being taken by the Government to address this?
The situation in Ukraine means food security is a priority. We grow 74% of our grain and are self-sufficient. The Government work closely with industry, processors, and retailers at all levels in the pig sector to address issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete measures or timelines for addressing the crisis.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The New Zealand trade deal is causing a £150 million impediment to livestock farmers, affecting Northern Irish animals at Stirling bull sales, seed potato exports, and tariffs on jute sacks.
The £150 million impact from the New Zealand trade deal is due to Brexit. Issues include lack of Northern Irish animals at Stirling bull sales, inability to export seed potatoes, high tariffs, and shellfish export issues. Can the Minister give my Angus farmers a single benefit of Brexit?
The Scottish Government does not share benefits from agricultural space due to Brexit. In England, we aim to move towards paying people for producing public goods; this is not yet available in Scotland. I am meeting NFU Scotland today to discuss issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific benefit of Brexit.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The pig farming sector faces a prolonged crisis with over 40,000 pigs culled on farms wasted. Processors failing to honour contracts exacerbates the issue.
Not addressing the pig crisis question previously asked. Pig farmers have been in crisis for months; Government response has always been too little and late. More than 40,000 pigs already culled with waste. The failure of processors to honour contracts is a problem. When will the Minister pass this issue to the Competition and Markets Authority?
Time constraints prevented me from detailing measures for the pig industry. We work closely with the industry, starting a review of the supply chain that may lead to regulatory change. Evidence will be referred to the CMA when appropriate; interim requests are welcomed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to passing issues immediately to the Competition and Markets Authority.
Response accuracy