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Sowing the seeds of change New Year is a time when most people make resolutions, typically to eat less, drink less and spend less.
Listening to Hilary Benn’s speech at the Oxford Farming Conference yesterday I thought that Defra must have made some resolutions of their own for 2009. In a speech notably different in tone from last year, the Secretary of State for Defra appears to have resolved to listen to the industry, cut down on regulations and back British farming.
Mr Benn’s speech should be seen as a success for the CLA, it demonstrated that much of the lobbying undertaken throughout 2008 has paid off.
Food security is now high up on Defra’s agenda and his speech called for “…British agriculture to produce as much food as possible”. In line with our Just Ask campaign, launched in January 2006, he recognised the importance of clear country of origin labelling.
Mr Benn confirmed that Defra will not only be discussing with processors and retailers in the UK how voluntary country of origin labelling can be introduced, but will also be pushing Europe to change regulations so that labelling indicates where an animal was born, reared and slaughtered.
Mr Benn also rejected electronic sheep identification (EID). You will remember that last November Annabelle Morshead and I presented him with a petition of more than 2,000 signatures against the implementation of this costly and unnecessary scheme. At the time I was concerned that whilst it was clear Mr Benn had recognised the problem, it might not lead to any action – I am pleased that he has proved me wrong!
He also supported the CLA on pesticides, challenging the EU on pesticide legislation and appealing against the recent pesticide spraying judgment in the UK.
In another major win for the CLA the Secretary of State also relented on the issue of manures treated by anaerobic digestion being categorised as waste when used as fertiliser. This should, as Mr Benn recognised, help speed up the use of this much needed technology.
In addition, the CLA CALM calculator, which many of you will have used to give your farm a carbon health check, was praised.
All of this seems to indicate that 2009 has got off to a good start and there is much to feel positive about. I don’t know how long it will last, but for now at least it appears that the seeds of change within Defra may have been sown.
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