New EU Regulations will come into force on 4 March 2011 that will revoke and replace the current EU Regulation 1774/2002 on animal by-products. Implementation in Wales will be through the new Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2011 that revoke and replace the current Animal By-Products (Wales) Regulations 2006.

Speaking to those present Jackie Price, from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at the Welsh Assembly Government said, “In line with the One Wales Government Commitment, the new regulations will provide greater scope to offer farmers alternative methods of dealing with fallen stock, including the possibility of on farm containment through means of bio-reducers. We are here to make these regulations as palatable as possible for Welsh farmers and it is essential that we are able to demonstrate to the European Commission that we are implementing regulations and managing them effectively.“

John Owen, Chairman of NFU Cymru’s LFA Board said, “NFU Cymru has consistently held the view that the ban on burial of fallen stock has been a costly and unnecessary burden on the livestock industry and we’re interested in any practical solutions that can reduce cost without impacting on human or animal health.“

Board members present expressed interest in the possibility of shared use of bio-reducers. John Owen added, “We understand that the current bio-reduction trials being conducted by Bangor University are on a specific size tanks. We eagerly await approval for the use of bio-reducers from the European Food Safety Authority and hope that the Welsh Assembly Government will then introduce workable rules that will allow for shared use of bio-reducers as a viable alternative to the current costly system of fallen stock disposal.“