Financial Aid Recognises The Problems But Provides Only Part Of The Answer

"At last the CLA's messages about the impact the animal disease outbreaks have had on the rural economy have been heard and Government has signalled its obligation to do something to help by offering this aid," said David Fursdon, president of the CLA, the rural economy experts, in response to the announcement today (Monday 8 October) by the Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, that £12.5 million will be provided to those affected by Bluetongue and Foot and Mouth Disease.

"However, Defra have clearly listened to the CLA and others in the industry and are feeling some responsibility for this sorry mess.  When you consider the combined impact of these disease outbreaks it is clear this financial package is but a drop in the ocean and will only meet a small fraction of the economic damage to businesses, especially for those indirectly affected.

"This package includes ring-fenced funds for a number of issues that have been highlighted to Ministers over the past few weeks.  The CLA is undertaking its own work to assess the extent of the overall damage to the rural economy but the full impact may not be known for some time. The ban on exports alone resulted in the loss of at least £2 million per day which shows the true cost of these outbreaks," concluded David Fursdon.

Richella Logan – Head of Public Affairs

Richella, as Head of Public Affairs is responsible for CLA's political strategy and parliamentary lobbying.

Phone: 020 7460 7957
FAX: 020 7235 4696
Email richella.logan@cla.org.uk