Country-Phile?

Tuning into Sunday night television proved to be quite the worthwhile experience. Other than tapping into White City’s usual take on all things rural, it was very reassuring to see the Prime Minister, David Cameron, being interviewed face to face in what looked like our farm museum.

John Craven (a veteran of putting prime ministers in the limelight), did put very salient and succinct questions to Mr Cameron: most notably immediate pressures that faced livestock sectors. Primarily, it was quite a relief to have that formal, governmental recognition of the problems associated with enriched colonies for laying hens within the EU (Directive 1999/74/EC).

In short, there are still many Southern and Eastern European states that have not invested in the necessary infrastructure to provide better housing conditions for laying hens, and are able to trade their eggs at a much lower price. This of course means that those producers who have done the right things are being unfairly penalised, whilst those states who have not complied (despite signing up to the Directive) are able to continue trading advantageously, despite having much worse housing arrangements. As Mr Cameron outlined, the EU is primarily a trading zone that seeks fair and equal trading, based upon a set of common and agreed standards. Many egg producers have invested too much money to see it hinder their business.

There is a reassuring amount of traction in the House of Commons on this issue at the moment, and the British Egg Industry Council are making sure that Members are fully aware of the current miscarriage of fairness that is taking place throughout the EU. Producers will be happy this issue has been raised on the national agenda, however they will be (understandably) swift to ensure that the Government uses every legal avenue to ensure the right deal is struck in Brussels.

There was also significant mention of the Badger Cull that has been proposed in England and Wales. Many news stories have attempted to portray this issue as zero-sum: either you wish to kill badgers or you don’t. In the media, the coalition Government and the Prime Minster have often been reflected in this way, however Mr Cameron’s comments will hopefully help dispel the tribal and hostile rhetoric that can be offered. His message was simple: we have to do something. It was clear that despite the many legal and political hurdles that have, and will continue to be cleared, DEFRA and the Government are intent on doing something about an issue that is dismantling communities in the South West and Wales. My words will not do the situation justice, however the Member of Parliament for Torridge and West Devon, Geoffrey Cox QC MP, did exactly that in June: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110607/halltext/110607h0001.htm#11060723000218.
In sum, it was a rare moment to see such a direct political address to serious matters in rural areas. Here is hoping for many more, both in and out of SW1A.

New Year, New Beginnings..

Hello!

If you are reading this, and are not a member of my immediate family or friendship group, then clearly this blog is having its intended effect! My name is Ed Barker and this is my blog; a platform to comment on ongoing policy issues in the agricultural and rural industries.

I have been inspired to start this as I really do feel that there is a worrying shortage of political, media and public attention to rural affairs. My first hand experience has shown me that a fundamental lack of understanding exists across all divides and platforms, and instead of berating this situation any further, I decided I should at least try and do something about it.

Many readers will remember the press attention and general furore that occurred during the summer of 2011 in reference to regulation of the circus animals in the United Kingdom. I do not dispute that this is an issue for a Government to look at. However, whether this could have been considered by DEFRA as a top priority is certainly questionable; indeed the number of wild animals (37) in which the debates concerned was fewer than the number of MPs who chose to debate it!

Whilst this debate was raging, British dairy farmers were witnessing a declining average price received for milk, caged hen egg producers were facing a major competitive disadvantage at the hands of the European Commission, and the decline of profits within the pig industry showed no sign of abating. However, it was felt that best use of DEFRA’s time was discuss welfare arrangements for a handful of animals, as opposed to fulfilling more suitable and pressing needs within the industry that should really achieve greater prominence.

So there we are – that is why I have set this blog up. I hope you enjoy reading about the issues that I raise. Many people I speak to in Westminster are interested in the issues that face the industry, however that information is often unpalatable and cumbersome or even non-existent in the first place. I will look to cast my musings over developments from Westminster that affect the sector and (hopefully) deliver it in a jargon-free manner.