WEST Devon Borough Council has written to Defra to ask it to reconsider what members describe as an ?ill-judged decision? to cut the level of research contracts it awards to the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) at North Wyke. At a meeting of the council in Tavistock last week, members backed a motion to voice their ?deep concern? about the reductions. Councillors endorsed the action already taken by the chief executive to write to Defra ?imploring the Government to review its decision and resolve the funding issue for the benefit of the agricultural community and the country as a whole?. Councillors also resolved to write to Defra minister and Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw on the issue and ask MPs and interested farming organisations to pursue the matter at the highest level. At the end of January, IGER announced job losses following a near £1-million drop in Defra anticipated income in the coming year. Cllr Margaret Garton, who put forward the cross-party motion with group leaders Conservtaive Cllr Dick Eberlie and Liberal Democrat Cllr Pam Scannell, said West Devon farmers had benefitted from the types of research carried out by IGER and would be particularly affected by the cuts.
