When the Epidemic is over

Bernard Jarman 

The current Star and Furrow contains two excellent articles (by Alan Brockman & Jimmy Anderson) which offer directions towards a new policy on FMD.  A strategy towards a new FMD policy in Europe from a biodynamic point of view is being worked on. The intention is to make it publicly available and present it to the European Commission.

With more than two million healthy animals slaughtered and consigned to the rubbish tip and with vast tracts of landscape desolate and bereft of livestock we can ask ourselves what it was that whipped up such paranoia in otherwise sensible people.  How was it possible for an institution like MAFF, seen by so many for so long as a beneficent source of agricultural wisdom, suddenly to unleash such powers of destruction? Whatever the reason, radical rethinking is now necessary involving a fundamental shift towards sustainable agriculture, the localisation of markets, a true valuing of human and animal worth and the recognition of fundamental human rights

No state should dare intervene in the relationship between the stockman and his animals unless there is evidence of mistreatment or public health is at risk.  Farmers have an inalienable right to treat their own animals in accordance with what they believe to be right.  It would have been wiser and more just had FMD been allowed to run its course and farmers with their veterinary advisors to have been permitted to use their skills in finding the best treatment.  Voluntary, protective vaccination could then have been an option, mass slaughter avoided and the whole crisis brought to an end within weeks.

Maintaining a dubious export trade is said to be the driving force precluding the vaccination option.  The spread of FMD to hill sheep and deer however has dashed even that argument.  Three years of extensive testing will be required before any exports can resume, according to European experts.

With a general election approaching, opportunities for asking candidates their position on agricultural policy, FMD, GM crops etc should be taken up.  Everyone is encouraged to write to their MP’s and prospective candidates on these issues.

The Biodynamic and organic movement is rightly concerned about the future direction of agriculture in Europe and is calling for a fundamental rethink of agricultural policy and the re-empowerment of the farming community.