Remote Definition
for Arran Farms - 2nd September 2003
The
Scottish Executive will classify the Island of Arran as remote for the
purposes of the EU Animal By-Products Regulation.
"This means that farmers on Arran will be covered by a derogation that
permits the burial and open burning of the carcasses of fallen livestock"
said local MSP and Rural Development Minister Allan Wilson.
"Farmers on the island can, however, still apply for membership of the
National Fallen Stock Scheme which is due to start in January 2004 and this
will be welcomed by all those livestock holders on Arran who responded to
our consultation saying they wanted to participate in the Scheme" said Mr
Wilson.
"In all other parts of Scotland outside the designated remote areas burial
and open burning will be
prohibited under the new EU Regulations" said Mr Wilson.
"Ministers have responded to representations made to us by the National
Farmers Union (Scotland) that the derogation would make a huge difference to
farmers in the remote areas who have no alternative means of disposal" said
Mr Wilson.
"It is important however that the derogation is applied correctly or it may
be withdrawn by the
European Commission."
"Where burial or burning is used it is essential that the guidelines
contained in the Prevention of
Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity (PEPFAA) Code are adhered
to" said Mr Wilson.
"Legislation will now be submitted to the Scottish Parliament to allow the
new EU Animal By Product Regulations to be brought into force by October 1."
The
Scottish Executive will classify the Island of Arran as remote for the
purposes of the EU Animal By-Products Regulation.