Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
NEW FOCUS AT DEFRA FOR HORSE INDUSTRY

A new impetus to recognise and enhance the contribution made by the horse industry to the rural economy was announced today by Alun Michael, Rural Affairs Minister and Minister for the Horse, at DEFRA. Providing a clearer focus on horse-related issues, DEFRA is appointing a specific 'Official for the Horse' to co-ordinate work both within DEFRA and within other Departments and agencies of Government. During a visit to the headquarters of the British Horse Society at Stoneleigh, Alun Michael commented: "This Government has recognised the many challenges facing the rural economy and the need to play to its strengths. One of those strengths is the horse industry. "During his time at the former MAFF, Lord Donoghue was appointed the first 'Minister for the Horse' a role in which he, and then Baroness Hayman, worked to promote the interests of people who love and work with horses. "We have a great deal of expertise within DEFRA on subjects like veterinary science and animal welfare issues DCMS leads on racing and the Home Office on gambling. All of that will continue unchanged – but the new more focused approach I am announcing today will boost our efforts to promote the social and economic contribution of the horse industry as a whole in rural areas". "I have already spoken to some of the leading representatives of the industry. They have welcomed this approach. It is about helping the industry to design its own future, much as we are putting in place the new "horse passport" identification system in partnership with the industry. "Over the coming months we will be discussing with representatives of the industry how best to ensure that the horse plays its full part in our efforts to strengthen the rural economy". The Minister's announcement coincided with a reminder to the Local Government Association, the Highways Agency and Railtrack to take steps to control ragwort, a weed that can poison horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals. Alun Michael wrote today to highlight the importance of good husbandry of road verges and railways embankments. He said: "At this time of year, DEFRA receives numerous telephone calls and many letters from members of the public and MPs about the spread of injurious weeds, the vast majority concerning common ragwort. "We investigate complaints and take action where injurious weeds are threatening to spread from neighbouring land to agricultural land and on to farms which have diversified into equine activities. However many of the complaints we receive are about weeds growing on road verges or along the sides of railway lines. "I have written to the Local Government Association, the Highways Agency and Railtrack to stress how seriously we view this problem and to urge effective action to clear these weeds and to think ahead to preventing growth next year".

Notes
1. All five injurious weeds covered by the Weeds Act 1959 can be harmful to agricultural activities and commercial food production if left unchecked. However ragwort poses special risks. It is poisonous to livestock, including horses, ponies and donkeys – if they eat ragwort it can lead to untreatable liver damage, and death. 2. This year DEFRA has produced two booklets on harmful weeds, one of which gives general advice on the Weeds Act 1959, and the other guidance on the methods that can be used to control the weeds. Copies of these documents are available on the website :http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/weedsact/default.htm