Peter pops up again

Remember the campaign?

If you were around during the time of the campaign against plans for an 8,100 cow intensive dairy farm located on the Heath, you will certainly remember one of the main protagonists.

The huge amount of waste produced by this facility would have been spread on land surrounding Nocton and Dunston. I am still proud to have been part of the local campaign group which lobbied long and hard to overturn the various planning applications.

Nocton Dairies Ltd never managed to get the relevant permissions to construct their cow factory in Lincolnshire. We are very fortunate indeed, as it seems Peter is still upsetting his Devon neighbours with heavy slurry operations.

Wealthy Londoner sparks row after setting up a campaign against farmers muckspreading

The main target of Mr Roe's anger is Peter Willes.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4040730/Wealthy-second-homeowner-moved-London-Devon-countryside-sparks-row-new-neighbours-waging-war-against-farmers-muckspreading.html

Too Much Slurry Campaign

'A significant step in the industrialisation of farming is the move to intensive dairy farming.'

http://toomuchslurry.co.uk/

Nocton Dairies Controversy

Local people formed a campaign group named CAFFO (Campaign Against Factory Farming Operations). Animal welfare charities and campaigners, and vegan and vegetarian groups also joined to support the case against the dairy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocton_Dairies_controversy

Campaign material in Nocton

Working with partners - World Society for the Protection of Animals

Working with partners - Compassion in World Farming

Campaign in Dunston

 

CAFFO were presented with a copy award
 for working in partnership with CIWF

Cows belong in fields

Waitrose's latest TV advert... filmed by a cow called Mo

Whilst not specifically mentioned in this particular article about Waitrose, I truly believe CAFFO's vigorous campaign against 'zero-grazing' and factory farms, was instrumental in raising public awareness about how our milk is produced. The 8,000 cow mega dairy in Nocton was to be the first of its kind in the UK.

With support from many organisations, not least the Environment Agency, WSPA and CiWF, the two year fight by the campaign team was worth all the effort as the plans were finally withdrawn. A great deal of campaign material is still contained within these blog pages - just use the search function and type in 'Nocton Dairies'. We should be rightly proud of what we achieved.

Not surprisingly, I now only consume organic milk from... cows which belong in fields!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3535068/Waitrose-s-latest-TV-advert-filmed-cow-called-Mo-Supermarket-straps-camera-animal-bid-shop-shoppers-cares-welfare.html

Mega-farms... the debate continues

Factory Farming?

Given our raw experience with fighting the 'super-dairy' campaign here in Nocton, with proposals for a large dairy unit in Leighton, nr Welshpool, Powys and now a huge piggery in Foston, Derbyshire, I am not surprised this passionate debate rumbles on today.

Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment?

'Farming in the British Isles is on the verge of a dramatic step towards industrialisation with the establishment of "mega-farms"...'

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/campaigners-warn-against-rise-of-the-megafarms-could-massive-pig-fish-and-dairy-units-harm-the-environment-8612471.html

Editorial: Who needs mega-farms?

'We eat too much of the wrong sort of food. More cheap meat is no solution.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/editorial-who-needs-megafarms-8612309.html

There Is Nothing Gentle or Gradual About Building a New 25,000 Unit Mega Pig Farm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-worcester/there-is-nothing-gentle-o_b_3253630.html

Powys 'mega dairy': Public inquiry over Leighton plan

'A public inquiry has begun into Powys council's decision to refuse planning for a major expansion to a dairy farm housing 1,000 cattle next to a village primary school.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-21656072

Foston pig farm given extra time on proposals

'A firm behind plans to build a farm in Derbyshire with more than 25,000 pigs has been given until May to answer Environment Agency questions.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-21410820

Forget badgers. If we really care about animal welfare, it's time to put a stop to mega-farms

'Proposals for what are called mega-farms have been rejected in the past, but now a significant change of attitude seems to be taking place.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/forget-badgers-if-we-really-care-about-animal-welfare-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-megafarms-8614160.html

Ag-Gag laws seek to put factory farms off-limits to whistle-blowers

It seems the UK Government has signalled its backing for large-scale farms only yesterday... let's hope they aren't too intent on following US practice. With the relaxation of planning law, there is a major risk to our countryside if inappropriate development takes place, particularly if we don't have the protection of tried and tested legislation developed over decades. It is no good trying to enforce restrictions once permissions have been granted and the mega-farms are operating!

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/298569-ag-gag-laws-seek-to-put-factory-farms-off-limits-to-whistle-blowers-

Taping of Farm Cruelty Is Becoming the Crime

'Critics call them “Ag-Gag” bills.'

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/us/taping-of-farm-cruelty-is-becoming-the-crime.html

'Not in my cuppa'

No intensification

Remember the fight against the application for a mega dairy on your doorstep?

Whilst the local campaign group CAFFO has now disbanded since the Environment Agency refused to support the plans for the intensive dairy on Nocton Heath, one of the major support groups that worked with us to help fight the application are still fighting against intensification.

If you are interested you can view their new video here: Taking the Factory out of Farming.

It is important not to forget our other partner too, Compassion in World Farming. Whilst it was undoubtedly the Environment Agency that finally put paid to Nocton Dairies Ltd's plans, we should not under-estimate the influence that was brought to bear by the very active campaign. CAFFO were very grateful to have these major lobbying groups on-side for the duration.

You may be interested in their new campaign RAW 'The true cost of factory farming' if you really care where your food is coming from.

Planning policy

Rewrite 'yes to development' planning change, say MPs

'MPs are calling on ministers to rewrite a key part of its controversial changes to planning rules in England, removing the default "yes" to development.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16271888

'Significant changes' must be made to planning rules

'MPs are calling on the Government to rewrite its controversial changes to planning rules in England, which they say are biased in favour of developers.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/significant-changes-must-be-made-to-planning-rules/43784.article

NFU urges Government to stick with plans to streamline planning policies

'Changes to planning rules must ensure that the rural economy can be allowed to prosper alongside a healthy natural environment, the NFU said today after an influential group of MPs launched its review of the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF).'

http://www.farminguk.com/news/NFU-urges-Government-to-stick-with-plans-to-streamline-planning-policies_22429.html

Welsh Government delays mega-dairy verdict

'A direction has been issued under Article 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995 to provide Welsh Ministers with more time in which to consider the call in request.'

http://notinmycuppa.com/newsblog/welsh_government_mega_dairy

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"We did it!"

Badger campaign should be warning to all

"We did it!" is the cry of a new generation of campaigners claiming credit for, among other things, stopping 'mega-dairies'..."

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/128239/Badger-campaign-should-be-warning-to-all.htm

Maybe we did, maybe we didn't... but what I do know is that local residents had an influence on the outcome. The real success of the local campaign group (CAFFO) was in being able to lobby support from a wide-range of people and organisations, many with specialist knowledge and featuring UK-wide.

Reading between the lines of this article, I sense this says more about how Amy is feeling about her involvement with Nocton. Could it be that she is smarting a little over the failure of her PR expertise to result in a successful outcome for Nocton Dairies when faced with a campaign of national proportions?

Perhaps the application was withdrawn 'on technicalities'... one of which may have been to avoid prejudicing any possible future re-application... or perhaps it was just about avoiding the embarrassment of a formal refusal in the circumstances?

What we do know is that there were very good environmental reasons as to why this development would never have been granted permission in the sensitive location on Nocton Heath.

Financial Crisis Leading Farmers To Build 'Mega Dairies'


'A move towards milking cows in intensive American style 'mega dairies' would be bad for farmers' incomes as well damaging for the welfare of cattle, animal rights campaigners have warned.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/09/08/milk_n_953723.html

We Have to Support Dairy Farmers at Every Opportunity

'There is a well documented crisis affecting British farming - not as a result of evolutionary market forces, but of bad politics.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/zac-goldsmith/we-have-to-support_b_954194.html
__________________________________________________________

Dairy Farming Bill

Stephen Phillips QC MP continues to be active on our behalf in the House of Commons.  Indeed, his Dairy Farming Bill is due to be debated later today.  In the meantime, you may like to read some of his recent contributions on the:

Dairy Farming Debate - 7th June 2011

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2011-06-07a.1.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g12.0

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2011-06-07a.69.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g117.1

There is also further information on the debate on intensive farming.

WI abandons vote to oppose 'factory farming'

'A DEBATE on the pros and cons of factory farming descended into almost farce at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes AGM today (Wednesday, June 8).'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/livestock-news/wi-abandons-vote-to-oppose-factory-farming/39536.article

WI refuses to vote on factory farm resolution

'The Women’s Institute has refused to vote on a resolution which would have seen the 207,000-member organisation campaign against large-scale farms.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/127231/WI-refuses-to-vote-on-factory-farm-resolution.htm

Is there a crisis in the dairy industry?

'This was the question you were left asking after a debate in the Commons on the plight of dairy farmers.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13686559

Milk Monday: Not in my Cuppa receives recognition for creatively changing the face of British farming

'On June the 1st, The World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) dairy campaign, “Not in my Cuppa” was unanimously voted as a winner in the Public Affairs category at the The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) 2011 Excellence Awards.'

http://seymourjacklin.co.uk/2011/06/07/milk-monday-not-in-my-cuppa-receives-recognition-for-creatively-changing-the-face-of-british-farming/

CiWF - Campaigner of the Year

On 9th June 2011, Compassion in World Farming was recognised with the Observer Ethical Award for Campaigner of the Year in respect of their 'Cows belong in fields' campaign.

CiWF have kindly mentioned 'The campaign's success was only possible with widespread support nationally and from local campaign group, CAFFO.'

http://www.ciwf.org.uk/cows_belong_in_fields/default.aspx

As one of the originators of CAFFO, I have been privileged to work with some marvellous people over the period of the campaign, many of whom are now good friends.

This is a nice recognition for every member of the team at CAFFO and all their supporters - for all the hard work over the last 18 months or so.  You know who you are.  Thank you.

CIWF wins award for Nocton campaign

'CIWF shared the award with local campaigners, including CAFFO (Campaign Against Factory Farming Operations).'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/ciwf-wins-award-for-nocton-campaign/39604.article

Video of the Observer Ethical Awards 2011

Compassion in World Farming - appear on the video between 4.00s - 4.56s.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2011/jun/10/observer-ethical-awards-2011-video
_________________________________________________

Nocton breathes sigh of relief

Campaign banners are down. Stickers are being removed from cars. For the time-being Nocton can breathe a sigh of relief, for the planned mega-dairy on Nocton Heath is no more. But whilst the local village returns to a semblance of normality and rural tranquility, this is no time to be complacent.

In what I thought was a vitriolic Press Release, Nocton Dairies indicated there may well be other plans in the pipeline (forgive the pun). 'Watch this space' was the concluding remark. This has left campaigners and Parish Councillors with a 'watching brief' for what might come next.

Stopping the 'super dairy' – the inside story

'Originally, the Nocton proposal had been submitted with little regard to public relations. The farmers behind the plan had been reluctant to speak to the media, fuelling suggestions that they had something to hide.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/125674/Stopping-the-39super-dairy39-the-inside-story.htm

Advertising Standards Authority

I understand the complaint brought by Nocton Dairies Ltd against the CAFFO campaign leaflet has now been 'Informally Resolved'. No further action is to be taken by the ASA.

This outcome will be recorded on the ASA website 'under the section for advertisers who have closed cases informally directly with us'. No report will be published.

http://www.asa.org.uk/

MP calls for action against mega dairy plans

'STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James is calling for action to help prevent mega dairies taking off in Britain.'

http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/local/8866051.MP_calls_for_action_against_mega_dairy_plans/

Regulatory action called for on EU milk crisis

'MILK producers’ lack of bargaining power is ‘a real European problem that will require a real European solution’.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/regulatory-action-called-for-on-eu-milk-crisis/37406.article

First Government anaerobic digestion facility open

'Staples Vegetables in Boston, Lincolnshire, one of the biggest producers of vegetables in the UK, is the first of the anaerobic digestion projects funded through the Government’s Environmental Transformation Fund to be officially opened in 2011.'
 
http://www.farminguk.com/news/First-Government-anaerobic-digestion-facility-open_19952.html
_______________________________________________________

America isn't Britain

Personal blog of Philip Lymbery (CiWF)

http://www.acompassionateworld.org/2011/02/mega-dairies-and-the-future/

Lessons from America - Part 1 (WSPA)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/not-in-my-cuppa/lessons-from-america-part-1/180409158669860

Dairy farms fight low prices, high costs

'Leonard said farms have been expanding, getting more cows to produce more milk to sell for whatever it will bring. He admits it’s not a sustainable method, but farmers have found it effective when riding out a dip in the market.'

http://www.newsleader.com/article/20110220/NEWS01/110219004

How can dairy farmers keep churning out milk at a loss?

'I really feel a lot of people just go to the supermarket, take things off the shelves and do not question their origin.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/letters/dairy-farmers-churning-milk-loss/article-3254671-detail/article.html

Just because we can get it, doesn't mean we need it. Think of the transportation costs to the environment - time for change perhaps - consumers do have a choice!

Genetically engineered alfalfa isn't necessary

'... a new kind of pollution is being forced on us with no widespread agreement on its efficacy or consensus on its safety.'

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021504823.html

Milk from cloned cows given green light by Defra

'Milk and meat from the offspring of cloned animals should be allowed to go on sale, according to a government minister.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/8341212/Milk-from-cloned-cows-given-green-light-by-Defra.html

I can perhaps accept that Jim Paice and other Ministers have a responsibility to make these sort of far-reaching decisions, but this cannot be in isolation from allowing consumers their rights. We should be able to have a choice as to whether or not we buy these products... and this can only occur if we get accurate food labelling.
_______________________________________________________

EA still object

'They think it's all over... it is now!'
[Kenneth Wolstenholme]

I understand the Environment Agency have submitted their documentation to North Kesteven District Council yesterday.

Despite the submission of further evidence in support of their application, Nocton Dairies still haven't been able to convince the Environment Agency they can mitigate all risks to the aquifer and public water supply.

Furthermore, the Environment Agency have also objected against the digestate pipeline application.

This is likely to be a big stumbling block to the future plans for the intensive dairy.

NGO's Letter

An open letter has been posted to North Kesteven District Council underwritten by Friends of the Earth, World Society for the Protection of Animals, 38 Degrees, Soil Association and Compassion in World Farming.

http://www.wspa.org.uk/Images/KestevenOpenLetter_tcm9-20458.pdf

Nocton campaigners urge Council to block plans

'AN ALLIANCE of UK charities has called on North Kesteven District Council to block Nocton Dairies’ application for a 3,770-cow unit in Lincolnshire when it meets to discuss the plans next month.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/nocton-campaigners-urge-council-to-block-plans/37227.article

Urgent update

Nocton Dairies scraps super dairy plans

'NOCTON Dairies have scrapped plans to set up the UK’s biggest dairy herd, blaming the Environment Agency for the decision.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/nocton-dairies-scraps-super-dairy-plans/37242.article

VIDEO: Nocton withdraws plans for super dairy

'Nocton Dairies has withdrawn its planning application for a 3770-cow dairy unit in Lincolnshire.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/125538/VIDEO-Nocton-withdraws-plans-for-super-dairy.htm

'Super dairy' plans withdrawn

'Plans for the UK's largest dairy farm, which would have housed 3,770 cows, have been withdrawn.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/farming/8328866/Super-dairy-plans-withdrawn.html

Plans for Lincolnshire 'super dairy' are withdrawn

'Plans for the UK's largest dairy farm have been withdrawn, the farmers behind the scheme have announced.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-12485392

Nocton awash with newspeople

We have vans with satellite dishes; we have sound equipment; there are street interviews with local residents; we have lights... cameras... and action.

Nocton is in the news... all because the intensive dairy is no more... well for the time being that is.  The battle may be won, but the war may not yet be over.  There are still the digestate pipeline and reservoir applications to be heard by Planning Committee... although why these are still needed is anyone's guess.

Watch this space... as Nocton Dairies said.
_______________________________________________________

I'm right, you're wrong

T minus 21

Nocton: shows foresight, surely?

Nocton Dairies continue to purport that they are right... and everyone else is wrong. Astonishing.

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=215856

Reduce reliance on food imports warns NFU

'The government needs to take urgent action to reduce the UK's growing dependence on imports, according to NFU president Peter Kendall.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/15/125500/Reduce-reliance-on-food-imports-warns-NFU.htm

UK self-sufficiency in food - how bad is it?

'The UK's self-sufficiency in staple foods like meat and fresh vegetables has plummeted since the highs of the 1980s...'

And it will only get worse if we start to adopt intensive dairying across the UK. Removing good agricultural land to produce milk in huge agri-industrial units is hardly going to help now is it?

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/15/125501/UK-self-sufficiency-in-food-how-bad-is-it.htm

Chrissie Hynde joins fight against factory milk in Britain's tea

'Rock legend Chrissie Hynde has lent her support to the Not in my Cuppa campaign to stop factory milk from battery cows ending up in the nation's favourite drink.'

http://www.music-news.com/shownews.asp?H=Chrissie-Hynde-joins-fight-against-factory-milk-in-Britains-tea&nItemID=39313

Intense lobbying could enable unapproved GM crops to enter European food chain

'Agribusiness accused of 'scaremongering' lobbying tactics as it pushes for the import of animal feed containing traces of unapproved genetically modified (GM) crops - using the guise of combating feed shortages.'

http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/771320/intense_lobbying_could_enable_unapproved_gm_crops_to_enter_european_food_chain.html

The UK needs a labelling scheme for GM-free meat products

'If meat and dairy from animals reared on GM feed is not labelled we allow crops without safety approvals to enter the food chain.'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2011/feb/10/labelling-gm-meat
_______________________________________________________

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2011 and a Happy New Year to you all.

Leading up to the debate on Lincs FM, I thought it would be useful to highlight a few things with you.

The first is an extract from Hansard on mega-dairies; the second is a glimpse into an MP's thinking on Mega-dairies; finally a few videos from YouTube - just to show you what intensive dairying may bring to the UK if Nocton Dairies Ltd get their planning permission.

Nocton Dairies - Hansard extract

'Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): When I have raised the subject with the Minister in the past he has made clear that this is a planning issue, but he has also said that he personally has no objections to mega-dairies. Could there not be a moratorium on the granting of planning applications for big schemes that are in the pipeline, such as Nocton's, until the results of the reviews that he mentioned have been made public?

Mr Paice: I entirely understand the hon. Lady's point, but no Minister in DEFRA has the power to create a moratorium. This is entirely a planning matter, and it is up to the local district council to decide how to respond. I have no powers to stop the development.'

Read more of the extract here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101209/debtext/101209-0001.htm


Mike Hudson - Sleaford and North Hykeham CLP

'The Nocton Dairies planning application is in and the consultation period has started. It looks like a stitch-up, so it prompted a letter to the press, as follows

"Dear Sir.

North Kesteven District Council is considering the Nocton Dairy planning application. After a nearly a month “validating” the application it is now in the consultation stage, just in time for holiday shutdown. The three-week period for the public to have their say started a week and a half before Christmas. At the time of year when many workplaces close, much of the country is on the move visiting family and friends the consultation will clock keep ticking.

The opportunity for anyone to examine the application and make a considered response to the actual plans, rather the supposed plans, is much reduced. This does not sit very well with the government’s stated objective greater public involvement in civic life and decision-making. Far from inviting people into the council chamber, this is closing door and hanging up a keep out notice."

In local government, the way to influence decisions should be through lobbying councillors, not consultation. As central government and council officers have little faith in councillors, decision making and consultation are coupled. Mostly it is a token exercise; opinion is sought and the proposal endorsed. By holding consultation of this nationally significant project over the holiday period North Kesteven Council reduces it to a cynical token exercise.'

http://www.labourblogs.com/public-blog/sleaford_hykeham/29023/

'We met on Monday specifically to discuss the Nocton Dairy Planning application and make a decision. After looking at the facts there was not much debate, our decision was clear.

There were points we did not consider, the biggest was animal welfare. We know this the concern for a lot of people, but animal welfare is not a planning issue. If there was any attempt to raise the issue in debate at the planning meeting, we think the officers would just say it was not their job. The second point dismissed is the power of the supermarkets over farmers.

With the difference in economic power between farmer and supermarket, the supermarket will always win. They control agriculture and are changing the face of the countryside. This was well illustrated in the BBC Panorama programme on the 22nd December. That programme, in a 15 second clip, illustrated why the Nocton Dairy should be opposed. From a shot of green fields the screen filled with row upon row of computer generated sheds.

The programme did not include interviews with a protester who is a hospital consultant. They were interviewed twice, expressing the opinion that presence of such a contration of animals would bring extra cases of asthma and other lung problems.

The programme also skated over smell. The presenter knelt by a pond of slurry and said there was no smell "thanks to the digester". A digester is not part of the Nocton application, it is a promised development dependant on a government grant.

The statement of no smell cannot be verified by television, but it was contradicted by radio. A reporter from Radio 4 flew over an American mega-dairy and could smell the stench in the aeroplane. What is easier to believe from nearly 4000 cows in open sided sheds, smell or no smell?

So the conclusion was simple. Nocton Dairies breaches North Kesteven's local plan.

http://n-kesteven.devplan.org.uk/document.aspx?document=48&display=chapter&id=362

POLICY DC1 - Agricultural or forestry development Planning permission will be granted for agricultural or forestry development, requiring planning permission, provided that the proposal:
1.Will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside; and
2.Will not create noise, smell, dust or other disturbance that will adversely affect protected buildings to an unacceptable degree.'

http://www.labourblogs.com/public-blog/sleaford_hykeham/29039/


A selection of videos you may have missed in 2010.

1.  WSPA protest against proposed UK dairy cow 'battery' farm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH5uwMoj-ek

2.  Adam Henson from BBC Countryfile visits US intensive dairy farms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJpxaWR2J-c

3.  Peter Willes (one of the directors of Nocton Dairies Ltd) talking to Peter Levy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vez1Kh4qVts
_______________________________________________________

Merry Christmas - to one and all

Panorama - Supermarkets: What Price Cheap Food?

Watch the programme here if you missed it Wednesday 22nd December

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wyh2f/Panorama_Supermarkets

Nocton super dairy: Not in my Cuppa!

'The plans for a "super dairy" in the village of Nocton, Lincolnshire are causing quite a stir locally and nationally.  Former Brigg MP Ian Cawsey is now involved with the WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) in its campaign to prevent the plans being approved.'

http://www.facebook.com/notinmycuppa?v=wall

http://notinmycuppa.com/

http://www.brigglife.co.uk/b3.php?s=campaigns

Cosmetic Changes at Nocton Mega-Dairy

'This disturbing push towards the increasing industrialisation of the dairy industry must not be allowed.'

http://blog.peta.org.uk/2010/11/cosmetic-changes-at-nocton-mega-dairy/

Please Act Now to Oppose Plans for Super-Dairy

'The businesses behind the factory farm are trying to be clever with their timing by re-submitting the application so that the consultation period falls over the Christmas break. Their hope is that it will slip through on the quiet, as none of the previous objections will count.

That is why it is more important than ever to make your feelings clear again. We have until the 11 January to object. If this mega-dairy goes ahead it will open the floodgates to similar animal prisons across the UK. We have to act - and we have to act now!'

http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_factory/ALL/2409//

Milk Monday: Twelve Talking Points

http://seymourjacklin.co.uk/2010/09/13/milk-monday-twelve-talking-points/

Environment Agency moves to help farmers

'Spreading milk on snow or frozen land would normally be a breach of pollution and waste regulations because it can cause more harm than sewage if it flows into rivers, killing fish and other aquatic wildlife.'

http://www.farminguk.com/news/Environment-Agency-moves-to-help-farmers_19505.html

Can you imagine Nocton Dairies spreading their daily production of 107,250 litres of milk on the fields surrounding the local villages - it doesn't bear thinking about now does it?

Merry Christmas

Seasons greetings to all my blog readers.  Enjoy your break.

Briefing at Westminster

Personal Blog of Philip Lymbery (CEO of CiWF)

If you wish to see Philip's briefing to Members of Parliament last night, please click here:

http://www.acompassionateworld.org/2010/10/why-mega-dairies-are-wrong/

MPs show concern over Nocton super-dairy plan at awareness event in Westminster

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/MPs-concern-Nocton-super-dairy-plan-awareness-event-Westminster/article-2809844-detail/article.html

WSPA continues campaign against Nocton 'super dairy'

MPs and campaigners gathered at a reception in the Houses of Parliament last night (Tuesday) to express their concerns at plans to build an 8,100-cow dairy unit in Lincolnshire

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/wspa-continues-campaign-against-nocton-super-dairy/35248.article