NFU: 'Last chance saloon' to get OCDS compensation

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Friday, 10, Oct 2008 12:00

Livestock keepers are being given one last chance to register for the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme (OCDS) which is set to end on December 31.

Although the booking-in system closed on September 30, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has analysed the slaughter capacity and advised that there are a limited number of slaughter slots still available. This will allow producers to enter cattle and therefore gain compensation for any of the remaining cattle born or reared in the UK before August 1 1996.

NFU Vice President Paul Temple said: “We have pushed to ensure that as many producers as possible are able to make use of the scheme and gain compensation, so this is clearly the last chance saloon. However, it is important that when booking a slaughter slot, the animal’s ear tag number is provided along with a valid CPH number.

“The NFU is working extremely hard with other stakeholders to lobby Defra and we will be writing to the minister to ensure that any anticipated collection and disposal costs for bovines are as low as possible for producers when the OCDS finally closes on December 31.”

Notes to editors:

From January 1 2009, no compensation will be available for animals born before August 1996 and from mid-January the collection and disposal costs for these cattle will rest with the producer.

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The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.