Jiglu: Farmtalking: Discussion: Fwd: Farmers take disease message to airport

Originally from: Molly Maxwell

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Originally from: "Ananova" <533...>
To: Molly Maxwell <...>
Subject: Farmers take disease message to airport – Ananova Alerting Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 04:16:15 GMT

A delegation of farmers is gathering at Gatwick Airport in a bid to highlight concerns about lax controls on food imports in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Farm leaders believe the crisis was caused by infected meat being brought into the country – and are keen to ensure regulations are being observed to avoid another disaster.

A group of 20 farm leaders will demonstrate at the airport, hand out leaflets and display placards telling people what they are allowed to bring into the country.

A National Farmers' Union survey shows half of all holidaymakers have no idea what they are allowed to import.

Farm leaders are also campaigning for more stringent checks to make sure contaminated items do not slip through the net.

NFU spokesman Simon Rayner said the demonstration was not aimed at bringing the airport to a standstill but to raise awareness.

"The aim is to stamp out the illegal importation of products which puts Britain at risk to foot and mouth, swine fever and Dutch elm disease," he said.

"They have all devastated the country and have all been brought about by people bringing foodstuffs into the UK.

"The public are still in the dark about what they can bring in and, with the increased number of people taking holidays, the risk to health and industry is immense."

Mr Rayner said more money was needed to increase checks on people entering the country.

*Foot-and-mouth – All stories story sent by Ananova

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