Disposal of fallen stock carcasses
Environment Minister Dan Norris recently fulfilled a commitment to visit the Isle of Wight to discuss the problem of disposal of fallen stock - animals that die or have to be put down on farms.
Carcasses have to be disposed of in accordance with EU regulations. Farmers on the island are currently allowed to bury them in the absence of any more sustainable options but this is not considered to be ideal.
The Minister discussed alternative solutions with representatives from the local National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Country Land & Business Association (CLA) and others including the Isle of Wight Council. He also heard from a group of farmers and the local hunt kennels who have put together a proposal for an incinerator on the island.
Defra’s livestock team has been working with the group to support this proposal and Dan underlined this commitment to finding a long-term solution to this rather unique problem.
Further information
Page last modified: 09 November 2009
Page published: 09 November 2009