The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill’s announcement of her plan to relax the six-day standstill rule which governs the movement of livestock and will apply from 4 March 2013. The Minister’s announcement follows on from DARD’s consultation in September 2012 on the changes to the current standstill regime to which the UFU responded in full support of the removal of whole farm standstill while there is no specific disease risk.
UFU President Harry Sinclair said; “The UFU are always looking for ways to reduce the burden on farmers and feel the Ministers announcement is a practical move at a time where there is no specific risk of disease. However we acknowledge that a longer standstill period may be introduced should the disease situation change. This policy change will be welcomed by the industry as it should simplify management on farm which will be of help during this difficult period.”
Harry continued; “While the Minister has relaxed the six day standstill rule it is imperative that farmers continue to apply tight biosecurity measures on farms to minimise the disease risk to stock.”
