Fallen Stock Scheme
Registers 25,000th Member
17/03/05
The National Fallen Stock Scheme has signed-up its 25,000th member.
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.
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