SEEDA has held a joint review meeting with key partners: Government Office for the South East (GOSE), Sustainable Farming and Food Board for the South East, DEFRA, Surrey County Council, Tourism South East, Country Land & Business Association, and the National Farmers Union.
The meeting agreed that the partners represented should work together to collate information about the implications of FMD for businesses so that an informed decision could be made on how most effectively to assist those affected.
There was a consensus among SEEDA and key partners that action should be taken to improve animal health and welfare skills across the South East, including among smaller and part-time livestock keepers.
The meeting also agreed that – for both the short and longer term – it is vitally important to continue work across the partners to support the development and marketing of ‘added value’ products in the food sector.
For further information, please contact: Andy Smith, SEEDA Head of Media & Public Affairs, on Tel: 01483 484202, Email: andysmith@seeda.co.uk
