07/04/2011

The Women’s Institute looks set to enter the fray over the future of farming; the institute is considering taking an opposing stance to the NFU over the issue of factory farming as a resolution, the outcome of which will be decided in June, has been proposed  focusing future campaigning on abolishing this controversial model of farming.

The proposed WI resolution, the institute’s resolution states, “abhors the practice of factory farming, particularly large animals such as pigs and cows,” and if passed will see the WI’s campaigning weight being concentrated on opposing the factory farming of animals. In the resolution, the group “urges HM government to ensure planning permission is not granted for such projects”.

The NFU has benefitted from the WI’s support in the past; 2007’s ‘Great Milk Debate’ saw 15,000 WI members cooperating with the NFU to demand fairer prices for milk producers from retailers, processors and consumers. However, on this occasion the Union expressed concern over the wording of the resolution; the NFU claims that factory farming does not necessarily mean poorer standards of welfare, environmental pollution or degradation of the countryside and is seeking to encourage “constructive discussion” about industrial production systems with WI members.

Priscilla Gray, of the Dilton Marsh group who proposed the resolution, said it was brought in response to news of the controversial Nocton super dairy, plans for which fell through earlier this year. She said the group felt this was “not a natural way to keep animals,” but that the institute is currently seeking advice from groups representing both sides of the debate in order to make an informed decision at June’s annual meeting in Liverpool.