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Agriculture Bill - Sitting 6

25 February 2020

Proposing MP
Daniel Zeichner Lab
Cambridge
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses amendments related to ending the use of sow farrowing crates and improving the standard of accommodation for farrowing sows. Daniel Zeichner is addressing amendments to the Agriculture Bill aimed at improving the welfare of farrowing sows by phasing out farrowing crates and providing financial assistance for farmers. The statement discusses the issue of pig farming welfare standards, particularly regarding farrowing crates and the potential impact on the British pig industry if such practices are unilaterally banned. Daniel Zeichner discusses the challenges and responsibilities in supporting higher agricultural standards and protecting domestic production against lower-standard imports. The statement addresses concerns about the clarity and ambition of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme, particularly regarding its impact on environmental gains and food production. The statement addresses the inclusion of small farms in the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) and concerns over administrative costs versus benefits. Daniel Zeichner discusses his opposition to including game shooting within the scope of public goods under the Agriculture Bill. The MP is proposing an amendment to include protecting or improving soil quality through the restoration of blanket bog and other peatland habitats in the Agriculture Bill. Daniel Zeichner is urging action on banning peat burning and addressing concerns about the protection of peatlands under the Agriculture Bill. The statement addresses amendments to the Agriculture Bill, specifically focusing on clarifying the distinction between financial assistance schemes and third-party schemes.

Action Requested

Amendment 40 aims to include measures to improve the standard of accommodation for farrowing sows in the Secretary of State's powers to give financial assistance. New clause 12 would end the use of sow farrowing crates, with Amendment 41 adding this purpose to the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations.

Key Facts

  • Amendment 40 aims to add measures to improve accommodation for farrowing sows in Clause 1.
  • New clause 12 proposes omitting sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 6 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007.
  • Amendment 41 would include a new section on sow farrowing stalls.
  • Sow farrowing crates are permitted for up to five weeks before and after birth.
  • 60% of 350,000 to 400,000 sows in Britain are kept in such crates.
  • Norway, Sweden, Switzerland have already banned farrowing crates.
  • Financial support is needed to encourage a switch to alternative systems.
  • When dry sow stalls were banned in 1999, the British pig market eroded due to competition from other EU countries that allowed such systems.
  • Only 2% of pigs are castrated in the UK compared to higher percentages in Sweden (94%), Denmark (95%), and Germany (80%).
  • The Government aims for farrowing crates to no longer be necessary but will examine all evidence before making changes.
  • A new welfare code for pigs, including guidance on farrowing, comes into force on 1 March.
  • Daniel Zeichner is addressing concerns about the Agriculture Bill.
  • The pig sector benefits indirectly under current support systems.
  • There are winners and losers with policy changes as some may face price dilemmas when choosing higher standard products.
  • The amendment aims to ensure all farms and horticultural units, including those smaller than five hectares, can access financial assistance.
  • In 2014, a decision increased the minimum farm size from one to five hectares for direct payments, excluding many small farmers.
  • A Landworkers Alliance report highlights the potential of smallholdings in delivering public goods listed in clause 1.
  • The Landworkers Alliance has reported that 85% of its membership has never been able to get support due to the 5 hectare threshold.
  • Clause 1(2) provides a power for financial assistance without size restrictions.
  • ELMS schemes will vary in scope from single farms to multiple areas.
  • The amendment in question seeks to include game species within the scope of livestock managed under the Bill.
  • Daniel Zeichner represents constituents who view using public money for sporting shooting as inappropriate.
  • This discussion reflects broader decisions about the kind of world and agriculture system the UK aims to support with public funds.
  • Kerry McCarthy is moving amendment 13.
  • The amendment aims to add “protecting or improving the quality of soil” which includes restoration of blanket bog and other peatland habitats.
  • Kerry McCarthy, along with members from Scarborough and Whitby and Edinburgh North and Leith, served on a previous Bill Committee.
  • Peatlands are the single biggest store of carbon in the UK.
  • The restoration of blanket bog and other peatland habitats is crucial due to their significant role in carbon storage.
  • £10 million has been allocated for peatland restoration between 2018 and 2021.
  • Amendment 15 was agreed to.
  • Further consideration of the Bill was adjourned until Thursday 27 February.
  • The amendments aim to clarify the distinction between financial assistance schemes and third-party schemes.
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