Payments help member states hit by foot and mouth

EU – The UK, the Netherlands, France and Ireland will receive advance payments of 400 million euro from the European Union (EU) to cover costs incurred in relation to the foot and mouth outbreak.

The payments will help compensate farmers for the slaughter and destruction of animals, the disposal of milk and the disinfection of holdings and vehicles.

The UK will receive 355 million euro, the Netherlands 39 million euro, France 3.3 million euro and Ireland 2.7 million euro.

According to the EU, the money has been made available as a result of lower spending in certain agricultural areas. Budget Commissioner Michaele Schreyer said: “By careful managing of the budget, the Commission can make advance payments this year and, therefore, lessen the burden on the 2002 budget.”
Meanwhile, the UK National Farmers’ Union has submitted a report to the National Audit Office claiming that preventative action was taken too late to head off the foot and mouth disease. It states that many farmers felt annoyed by the government’s handling of the situation and suggests that in future the government share its contingency plans, involve the industry more, quickly appoint co-ordinators to direct operations on the ground and communicate better.