FARMERS in West Devon were hoping this week that there could be some light concerning recent restrictions imposed due to the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey. Livestock auctioneers Vicks confirmed that cattle will be sold at Hatherleigh Market today (Thursday) ? the first market for many weeks, following restrictions on animal movements. The NFU has welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn that livestock markets in low risk areas can open from today. NFU president Peter Kendall said: ?This is a hugely important step for farmers in the low risk areas. ?It is also a key step in the exit strategy from foot and mouth disease, although many farms in the blue tongue and foot and mouth risk areas are still heavily tied up. ?The Secretary of State and I are committed to finding ways forward and I have emphasised very strongly the extreme financial and practical pressures faced by livestock farmers. ?This decision on markets is very helpful but the British livestock industry remains in crisis.?
