8 out of 10 people prefer cows and sheep

Report On Livestock And Landscape Wins Support From Public, Industry & Minister An ICM poll commissioned by the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) revealed that 77% of people agreed that the countryside in England and Wales would look worse without cattle and sheep, (with 66% agreeing strongly). The results were announced at the launch of the CLA's new report A future for livestock grazing in England and Wales at The Royal Show (5 July 2004).

Mark Hudson, CLA President said, "This survey shows conclusively that grazing livestock are an integral part of the people's perceptions of the countryside in England and Wales, and that without cattle and sheep people strongly believe that our landscape would look worse. This public sanctioning of grazing bolsters the recommendations made in our livestock report. Decision-makers should bear in mind the public's support for this sector which they see as part of our heritage and national psyche."

The new report highlights the threats facing the livestock sector; provides evidence for the many economic and environmental benefits created by grazing and sets out options for the future. CLA member Mr Andrew Maitland who attended the lively launch seminar commented, 'I feel priority must be put towards reducing bureaucracy and red tape and setting a level playing field.'

Attended by 90 farmers, landowners, rural organisations and members of the media, the debate encompassed discussion of Agri-Environment schemes; sustaining a rural infrastructure of markets and abattoirs; the effects of open access to grazing land; and the importance of clear labeling so consumers understand the provenance of the goods they are buying.

Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who attended the CLA launch reception for A Future for Livestock Farming said she welcomed the debate.

Summary of key actions recommended in the report:

CLA to work with others in the industry to support strong and sustained marketing campaigns that promote British meat and dairy products.

Development of more diverse markets for livestock products including regional and local branding.


Further development of the milk processing and distribution chain to redress the imbalance redress the imbalance in market power between farmers and processors.

Agri-Environment Schemes to offer sufficiently attractive and specific payments to encourage the environmental benefits of livestock farming.


Sufficient support to be provided to hill farming to enable it to maintain skills, contribute to the local economy and improve marketing and profitability.

Legislation, in preparation, on common land management to be drafted by Government so as to support and facilitate co-operative management.


Government and its agencies to ensure that all livestock farmers have reasonable access to a sufficient infrastructure of livestock markets, appropriate abattoirs and cutting facilities.

The Government's Illegal Imports Action Plan and the Animal Health & Welfare Strategies of Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government must be implemented to ensure that there are robust but practical measures to counter diseases.


Government and the industry to work together to produce a more integrated and streamlined approach to farm bureaucracy.

Public access to registered commons and open country provided for under the CRoW Act 2000 to be introduced sensibly.

6 July 2004