CONSIDERATION should be given to the re-introduction of direct support for suckler cows and breeding sheep, according to the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IASS).

Speaking in Edinburgh yesterday, Jack Clark, the president of the IASS, said: “Cow numbers have fallen quite noticeably since the reforms of the common agricultural policy became operative on 1 January, 2005. This clearly affects our member companies in terms of reduced throughput of store and prime cattle, but on the broader front, we need to be aware of the implications for future beef supplies.

“We would support any measure which would maintain cow numbers, and there must also be a case for the sheep sector, even if it is only on environmental grounds to maintain biodiversity on the hills. We have seen the number of cows in France increase and that may well be because there is still some direct support for farmers. Ireland has also introduced a headage payment on cows of 100 [£68]. Something similar would be very helpful in the Scottish context.”

Posted: 04|5|07 at 8:34 am. Filed under: UK News.