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A Transport "Coo" |
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Co-ordinating farmers to share transport has been highlighted as one of the key difficulties as part of a recent local food study. Five different mainland and island abattoirs for processing Kintyre red meat, many butchery options and different transport routes have been identified. The Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum, Fyne Homes and the Kintyre Environmental Group have been working together on a wider project to identify the supply and demand for local food produce in Kintyre. Hannah Jones, of High Bellochantuy Farm was taken on to research the possibilities for the supply of Kintyre red meat to Kintyre. Hannah said, "Obviously distance is a major factor between Kintyre and the abattoirs. For farmers to transport livestock over 40 miles, they are required to obtain a ‘Certificate of Competence,’ which is done by attending a training course and passing a test. When using hauliers to transport animals, farmers are dependent on fitting in with when the hauliers have journeys already booked to markets." The report demonstrates how the remoteness of Kintyre in relation to central abattoirs can cause difficulties and complications even in the initial stages of the process. Hannah explained. " Costs are high for Kintyre farmers, with increased labour time, fuel costs and haulage costs. These costs have to be reflected in the cost of local food ". Could a transport co-ordinator help reduce these costs? The report contains a directory of contact details and prices for abattoirs, butchers and transports routes. Details are available on the forum website to assist farmers in finding a transport route, abattoir and butcher suitable to them. If alternative options are known, details can be supplied to Fergus Younger at the Agricultural Forum? The wider project on the supply and demand of all local food produce in Kintyre has been undertaken by Loic Caron, of the Kintyre Environmental Group. Loic said, " We have received a very enthusiastic response to our study. Initial results show a strong demand for local food in Kintyre." The full report will be available in March. Funding for the project has been secured through the Scottish Government Wider Role and Argyll LEADER. The full details of the Red Meat Feasibility report and directory can be found at www.argyllagriculturalforum.com Release Date: 5th Feb 2009 Further information from: Fergus Younger Argyll Area Agricultural Strategy Development Manager SAC Farm Business Services, 12 Burnside Street, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6JE T 01586 552502 F 01586 553371 M 07899 940394 E fergus.younger@sac.co.uk Notes for Editors
1. The Agricultural Forum is a rural partnership that works towards a vision of sustainable and prosperous farming and crofting enterprises benefiting communities across the Argyll Area. Website www.argyllagriculturalforum.com 2. Fyne Homes www.fynehomes.org.uk 3. Kintyre Environmental Group 4. SAC website www.sac.ac.uk/ |
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9 January 2009 |
