Shared decision-making between land managers and officials is crucial where the costs for animal health, welfare and disease regulations are also shared, said members of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) at its Council meeting last week. CLA members therefore agreed a resolution* that was passed unanimously.

The CLA was encouraged by Jeff Rooker's comments at the Royal Show last week where he said it was necessary to share both costs and responsibility and it is very important that the two are linked.

David Fursdon, CLA President said: "CLA members are not prepared to see the cost of animal health and welfare transferred to the industry without a proper say in how costs accrue and what measures are put in place.

"Still reeling from the publication of the ISG report into Bovine TB in particular, livestock farmers see a real danger that the already reduced levels of compensation could be added to an increased cost burden bringing the viability of many businesses into question."

CLA is committed to continuing discussions with DEFRA and Ministers to find a joint approach to animal heath and welfare which will result in an improvement in procedures which reduce disease risk and have a meaningful impact on the regulatory burden already imposed on farmers.

*CLA resolutions provide CLA-wide agreement on policy issues. The resolution reads: "The CLA believes costs for animal health, welfare and disease regulations should not simply be transferred to the industry. Decision making must be shared at least where costs are shared".

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