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Farming

Antibiotic use examined by NPA

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Screen Shot 2016-05-24 at 14.43.25THE NATIONAL PIG ASSOCIATION (NPA) has unveiled plans to “achieve minimum use of antibiotics” on pig farms through a new antibiotic stewardship programme.

The aim of the programme will be to collect more data on antibiotic use in pig farms, which NPA said will be achieved through the industry’s newly-introduced online medicines book, created by ANDS Pork working with Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Once the online ‘book’ has been populated, NPA said producers will be able to benchmark their antibiotic use with anonymised data from other farms and work with vets to bring down use.

NPA chief executive Dr Zee Davies said: “We recognise and share society’s concems about the level of antibiotic use in human and livestock medicine. hi particular we acknowledge the risk, albeit small, of antibiotic resistance developing in bacteria in pigs and this resistance spreading to humans.”

Late last year, scientists discovered a gene that makes bacteria resistant to colistin – a class of last-resort antibiotics – in humans and livestock animals in China. Reporting in medical journal the Lancet, the scientists pointed to an apparent link between animal agriculture and the spread of this anti-biotic resistant gene in animals and humans.

Shortly before Christmas, follow-up research found that the resistant gene, first discovered on a pig farm in China, had spread to several European counties and had been detected in an infectious bacteria sample in the UK.

Although NPA’s senior policy advisor Dr Georgina Crayford maintained on Tuesday that “Antibiotic resistance in humans is largely caused by over-use and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine,” she acknowledged: “The British pig industry has a duty to ensure it does not contribute to the problem.”

Dr Crayford said: “Overall sales of antibiotics for use in livestock in the United Kingdom sit mid-range compared to other European Union countries. We acknowledge the current perception that antibiotic use in our pig industry may be higher than in some other countries, but we don’t have my data to demonstrate what our actual on-farm usage is, hence the need for action.”

NPA claimed that, in light of the findings on colistin resistance in bacteria from UK pigs, the Pig Veterinary Society has re-categorised this product as Class 3 in its prescribing principles for antimicrobials, meaning colistin may only be prescribed as a last-resort when no other options are available.

Reacting to the announcement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics, a coalition of fanning and environment groups commented: “The Alliance welcomes the NPA’s antibiotic stewardship programme, and supports each of the six strands outlined within it. Efforts to collate antibiotic usage data in this sector will be key to setting achievable and ambitious reduction targets, and better education in disease mitigation will be crucial to achieving these targets.

“However, we would also stress that routine mass medication of groups of animals — a form of administration which currently accounts for circa 90% of total antibiotic use in the UK and is commonly used in the pig sector — most also be tackled if the NPA’s programme is to be successful.

“This must be accompanied by measures to improve animal health and welfare and reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place; including lower stocking densities, later weaning for piglets, improved breeding which focuses less on productivity and more on animal health, and greater access to the outdoors.”

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Farming

Welsh Government approves Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

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WELSH MINISTERS have approved the licensing of three Bluetongue (BTV-3) vaccines for emergency use across Wales.

The Welsh Government worked closely with farming industry representatives, who requested the licensing of all three vaccines. From 1 March, an online general licence will be available for their use.

The vaccines will be available on prescription from veterinary practices and can be administered by livestock keepers themselves, following appropriate guidance.

The decision follows the continued spread of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in England since August 2024. On 4 September 2024, three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines were approved for emergency use in the UK by the Defra Secretary of State. The vaccines were licensed for use in England last year, and Welsh Ministers’ approval means they can now be used in Wales.

High risk of Bluetongue

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Dr Richard Irvine, said: “This decision to license these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment, which indicates that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year. Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance, and the safe sourcing of livestock.

“Wales remains free of BTV-3, but it is important to be prepared. Vaccines give Welsh farmers an important tool to reduce any impact of this disease in their herds and flocks.

“I would encourage farmers considering vaccination to consult their veterinary surgeon to discuss whether vaccination is appropriate for their livestock.”

Key information for farmers:

  • Vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.
  • Costs must be covered by livestock owners.
  • Spring vaccination is recommended for optimal protection before peak midge activity in summer and autumn.
  • Detailed vaccination records must be maintained for five years.
  • Individual animal vaccination details must be reported within 48 hours.
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Farming

Lib Dems lead debate on fairness in agricultural supply chain

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CALLS FOR STRONGER REGULATION

WELSH Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP has led a debate on fairness in the agricultural supply chain, highlighting concerns over supermarket treatment of farmers and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies.

David Chadwick MP

The discussion focused on allegations of unfair and bullying behavior by supermarkets towards farmers and producers. Chadwick questioned whether the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) and the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) are adequately resourced to tackle these issues.

The GCA, which polices supermarket dealings with suppliers, operates with just six temporary staff seconded from ministerial departments. Farmers and producers have reported various concerns, including delayed payments, lack of compensation for forecasting errors, order discrepancies, and de-listing without notice.

Gaps in regulation

Chadwick acknowledged the GCA’s role in reducing supermarket mistreatment of farmers over the past decade but pointed to evidence that progress has stalled. He raised concerns that food processors, packagers, and distributors—key middlemen in the supply chain—are currently not covered by the GCA’s oversight.

He also highlighted the struggles of farmers trying to negotiate price cost increases (PCI) amid rising energy and fertiliser costs, despite supermarkets posting record-breaking profits and using inflation as justification for raising consumer prices.

A survey commissioned by Riverford found that 45% of farms feared closure, with 75% citing supermarket buyer treatment as a major concern. Research by Sustain indicated that only 5% of farmers prefer selling to supermarkets, citing lack of control over pricing and limited direct access to consumers.

Fear of retaliation

Chadwick also noted that 67% of farmers feared being de-listed if they spoke out against unfair practices, leading to widespread underreporting of issues. He shared the case of a local farmer in his constituency who, after spending years rearing deer for a major supermarket, was left out of pocket when the retailer slashed both the price and the number of animals it agreed to buy. The farmer, fearing reprisal, declined to be named.

Proposed reforms

Closing the debate, Chadwick called for several reforms to strengthen the GCA and ensure fairness in the supply chain. His proposals included:

  • Raising awareness of the GCA among farmers and ensuring confidentiality protections are widely understood.
  • Reducing the GCA’s reliance on seconded staff by allocating a permanent team.
  • Granting the GCA the power to launch independent investigations without a referral.
  • Expanding GCA oversight to include packagers, processors, distributors, and manufacturers.
  • Lowering the £1 billion annual turnover threshold for retailers to fall under the GCA’s jurisdiction.

‘David vs Goliath’ battle

Commenting on the debate, David Chadwick MP said:

“All too often, local farmers find themselves in a David vs Goliath-like battle with supermarkets to secure fair treatment.

“The Groceries Code Adjudicator has made progress over the last decade, but reform is needed to keep pace with changes in food shopping and procurement. Fairness must be at the heart of British supply chains.

“Farmers are under immense pressure right now, with Welsh farming incomes falling significantly in the past year. The Government must act to protect family farms—our food security and rural economy depend on it.”

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Farming

Farmers angered by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s pop-up campsite ban

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FARMERS and landowners in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have expressed their frustration over plans to ban pop-up campsites, warning it could devastate their livelihoods.

In December 2024, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority announced it would remove permitted development rights (PDR), which currently allow landowners to run campsites for 28 days a year without additional planning permissions. The move, enacted under Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, aims to protect the character of the area.

However, affected landowners argue the decision will negatively impact their ability to generate income, with some saying it could force them to leave the National Park altogether.

‘Devastating impact’

David Williams, who operates Clifftops Camping at Druidston, said the loss of his campsite’s income could force him to reconsider his way of life.

“I’m a professional photographer focusing on surfing, but there’s not much money in it,” said Mr Williams. “I’m also a computer programmer, but local businesses don’t have big budgets. The campsite provides vital income—losing it would be devastating. I might have to go back to full-time employment or even move. There’s not a lot of work for a programmer in Pembrokeshire.”

Mr Williams, who has lived in the National Park for 30 years, said the decision was a reaction to the unusually high tourist numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The summers of 2020 and 2021 were exceptionally busy because of travel restrictions,” he said. “But the last two summers have been normal, and Pembrokeshire has been quieter than it’s been in a decade. It feels like an overreaction.”

‘No issues, no complaints’

Another campsite operator, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed concerns that the ban would restrict the ability of small farms to diversify.

“I live on a small farm that doesn’t make a lot of money. The 28-day rule allowed us to set up a campsite without taking on too much risk,” they said. “We’ve been busy, which proves there is demand, and we’ve had no issues, no complaints from locals, and no problems with the council.

“I don’t understand what they’re trying to achieve by taking this away. At a time when we’re facing a cost-of-living crisis, they are shutting down a way for people to earn a second income.”

‘Draconian and out of step’

Dan Yates: Owns Pitchup.com

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, described the move as a “kick in the teeth” for farmers and landowners struggling to make ends meet.

Pitchup.com successfully campaigned to extend permitted development for campsites in England from 28 days to 60 days last year and has since lobbied the Welsh Government for similar changes. Mr Yates argued that expanding PDR could boost the Welsh rural economy by bringing in thousands of extra tourists.

“At a time when governments are recognising the positive impact of pop-up campsites and changing regulations accordingly, this move by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is both draconian and completely out of step,” he said.

“The new PDR regime in England has addressed many of the objections raised by introducing measures such as council notifications and excluding the most sensitive areas like SSSIs. The Welsh Government is now consulting on extending PDR, and if it follows England’s lead, this Article 4 decision would be unnecessary.”

Mr Yates added that with farming becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in Wales, farmers are being encouraged to diversify their income streams.

“Moves like this undermine confidence, take away choice, and leave those struggling to make ends meet feeling angry and alienated,” he said. “This is a devastating blow, and I urge Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to reverse this decision.”

The ban is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. A public consultation is open until February 21, allowing people to have their say on the issue.

More information on the consultation can be found here.

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