The National Fallen Stock Scheme

There have been a number of recent media reports and representations to me, as the relevant Minister, about the operation of the National Fallen Stock Scheme, particularly in respect of North West Wales.  I therefore consider it necessary to make a statement on the role of the Welsh Assembly Government in this issue and informing Assembly Members of the actions that the Assembly Government is taking in partnership with others to help alleviate the situation.

I should make it clear that farmers have been banned from burying fallen stock since May 2003 when the EU Regulation was implemented in Wales, so this is not a new requirement on the industry.  However, the Welsh Assembly Government, along with other administrations, has been concerned to support the industry in complying with the legislation. I therefore provided £3.2 million over three years towards the setting up of a National Fallen Stock Scheme.  The intention is for the scheme to be industry led and provide farmers with a competitive service for the collection and disposal of fallen stock.  The scheme was launched in November 2004.  All parts of Wales are covered, but in North Wales the infrastructure is difficult because there is at present only one collector in the area and the geography also makes it difficult for this particular collector to cope with the demand.   The situation has been exacerbated by the current lambing season.

I share the concerns of Members and the industry, which is why I asked my officials to hold an urgent meeting with the National Fallen Stock Company, the farming unions, the enforcement agencies, the Welsh Development Agency and the relevant collection and disposal company to explore what could be done to rectify matters.  That meeting was held in North Wales on 17 March at which a number of short and medium term actions were agreed.  These include:

• Reduction in charges to scheme members who deliver carcasses direct to the collector.

• A re-direction of some scheme members to alternative collectors, which should ease the burden on the preferred North Wales collection company.

• Proposals for establishment of Intermediate collection centres at strategic points in North Wales.

• WDA support for new or developing collection and disposal businesses.      

• Enforcement agencies taking a pragmatic and helpful approach.

• Exploration of alternative storage, collection and disposal options in line with the legislation.


These measures should have an impact on the difficulties currently being experienced and we are also doing all we can in the circumstances to help.
I should reiterate that this Regulation has now been in force for well over a year and is not new. The Welsh Assembly Government is actively trying to resolve the problems with its partners.