Government agrees to extend funding for National Fallen Stock Scheme
UK - Government funding of £20m for the National Fallen Stock Scheme has been extended by a year to November 2008.
The extension was made following the publication of an independent review of the National Fallen Stock Scheme and Company by Bob Bansback, a well respected figure in the livestock and meat industry.
The current three year funding period was due to end in November 2007. This extension will allow Government and industry to use existing funding over a longer period to ensure there is a smooth transition to a post-subsidy scheme.
Animal Health and Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw today welcomed the publication of the independent report.
Mr Bradshaw said:
‘This report recognises that the National Fallen Stock Scheme is an excellent example of government and industry working in partnership and I'm very happy to agree to extend the Government's funding of this scheme until November 2008.
‘However, the report also highlights some challenging issues about the future of the Scheme, which will require careful analysis by Government and the National Fallen Stock Company. We will respond to its recommendations later this year.
Source: Defra - 1st June 2006