NEWS RELEASE
Date: 4 March 2008
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Defra launches National Standing Committee for farm animal genetic resources
Today Defra launched the National Standing Committee designed to encourage the sustainable use and protection of the nation’s rich diversity of livestock breeds.
The UK wide Committee will advise Government policy areas that impact on the nation’s livestock breeds, breeding systems and production and their primary function will be to implement the National Action Plan on Farm Animal Genetic Resources.
Ministers from each of the Devolved Administrations and Defra have agreed to the appointment of Prof. Geoff Simm as Chair of the new Committee which includes a highly competent and professional team of individuals from world class geneticists, to industry leaders and key personnel from the UK’s principle livestock breeding companies and conservation organizations.
The first meeting will take place on 6th March 2008 and will herald the start of a comprehensive three-year programme of work set out by the National Action Plan.
Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food, Farming and Animal Health said:
“I am delighted to announce this new Committee of highly qualified academic and industry leaders. The genetic diversity of our UK livestock breeds is a invaluable asset to our economy, animal health and welfare, environmental management and culture.
I am confident that the new Standing Committee, which represents the main species interests, breed conservationists, livestock genetics and technical experts will make real progress in delivering the key recommendations in the National Action Plan.”
Notes to Editors
Farm Animal Genetic Resources are any useful genetic material from livestock, such as embryos, eggs, semen and live animals.
- The UK’s livestock breeding population is globally renowned for its rich genetic diversity and it is a great asset for the future financial, social and environmental sustainability of the Industry.
- The National Action Plan on FAnGR was published in November 2006. It explains why we need to value our genetic resources, how we can better manage them and how Government can help.
- The selection process for the Committee was conducted in accordance with Office for Commissioning of Public Appointments (OCPA) rules. These are UK appointments and approval has been sought by Defra and the Devolved Administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Members include: Prof. Stephen Hall, Prof. John Woolliams, Christopher Warkup, Dr. Timothy Roughsedge, Prof. Charlotte Maltin, Peter Baber, Elizabeth Henson, Richard Davies, Dr. Santiago Avendano, Marcus Bates, Mark Smith, Andrew Sheppy, Richard Small and Julian Hosking.
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Page published: 4 March 2008