National Fallen Stock scheme signs up 25,000

UK - The scheme, jointly set up by Government and the farming industry to help farmers meet their legal responsibilities for disposing of dead animals, has been running since November 2004.
calendar icon 17 March 2005
clock icon 3 minute read
The National Fallen Stock Scheme has signed-up its 25,000th member - UK - The scheme, jointly set up by Government and the farming industry to help farmers meet their legal responsibilities for disposing of dead animals, has been running since November 2004.

Michael Seals, Chairman of the National Fallen Stock Company which administers the scheme, said: "The sign-up rate has been impressive but there are many more farmers out there who could benefit from our service.

"General UK feed-back about the scheme has already been very encouraging. A recent random survey of members found 94 per cent of customers are satisfied with the quality of information received about the scheme; 93 per cent are content with the telephone registration process; and 89 per cent are satisfied with the promptness of service.

"We do realise there have been some areas of the UK where members have encountered difficulties and we are working to resolve them. Like any scheme of this size, we were always bound to have some teething problems."

The Government is providing £10 million in the first year of the scheme to allow the National Fallen Stock Company to pay 30 percent of the costs of collection of fallen farmed stock. For example if a farmer is normally charged £60 for collection of an adult bovine under 24 months, under the Scheme he will only pay £42 - a saving of £18.

Previously, many farmers had to spend the time, effort and money digging a burial pit. This is now illegal and joining the Scheme ensures fallen stock will be disposed of in compliance with the law. At the same time farmers will also be complying with a requirement of many Farm Assurance Schemes. Fallen Stock Scheme members can be safe in the knowledge that strict biosecurity controls mean the risk of disease spread on-farm is minimised and that they are supporting rural enterprises and local jobs in the fallen stock collection industry.

Farmers - and horse owners - can register with the National Fallen Stock Scheme by calling 0845 054 8888.

For general enquiries, please contact Doug Kempster on 0207 238 6094.

Source: Defra - 17th March 2005

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