THE FOLLOWING BLOG SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT ON THE 14TH JANUARY, BUT DIDN'T DUE TO USUAL TECHNICAL HITCHES! MY APOLOGIES. MY NORMAL FRIDAY BLOG FOR 21ST JANUARY WAS MISSING DUE TO HOLIDAY. THANK YOU, TOBY BAKER
The full cost recovery debate is certainly starting to pick up a head of steam. The leader in the MTJ (7 JAN 2011) featuring an open letter signed by 13 industry organisations in protest at Food Standard Agency(FSA) proposals provides a landmark in unity across the farming and processing sectors.
But how is it best to galvanise these meat industry leaders into a unit that will be able to punch its weight when opposing such a powerful Government body?
At this stage, a unity which is in its early stages has been brought about due to disastrous financial implications thanks to the FSA which is now cocooning itself into a fantasy world of make believe over this issue. Although money is, of course, the ultimate deciding factor on whether a business survives or not, I firmly believe that this is NOT the area where our initial efforts should come from. There is an issue of facts, truth, science and technology to put before the public before we start arguing about the money. Expose the rituals and myths of veterinary and meat inspection in the production of fresh meat from abattoirs. That’s where the debate should begin; to just bleat on about the money would play into FSA hands by turning public support against us.
Still, my opinion is just one of many. I applaud the open letter, but how to take unity forward? Meetings of trade leaders, without an official in sight , to produce a battle plan for the stormy days that lie ahead might be a good start.
So lets cut to the chase. The FSA, particularly through Chief Executive Tim Smith have openly declared war on the industry, contemptuous in his denigration and demonising of the trade.
What possible future is there in trying to go through the consultation process with such people? None whatsoever, it is a pointless exercise.
We might say this to officials:
(1) That we see, and will treat them, as adversaries.
(2) Will acknowledge publically that you can’t negotiate with someone who is trying to bury you.
(3) That industry will set the agenda for meetings.
(4) That Tim Smith be sacked for his shameful comments on the Radio 4 programme “You and Yours”.
(5) That FSA lies will be exposed and that they will be faced with the facts.

Radical stuff, I know, but the mood has to change for positive results, in my view.If there is to be honest consultation, let that be done with the British people and the law, not some bureaucratic sham of a “consultation” with the FSA bully-boys, a farcical scenario that we’ve let happen for donkeys years over so many issues.
But overriding all that has been stated above, we are left with the fundamental question that stands out – Where do we go from here?
The last chance saloon looms. To succeed you have to try. TOBY BAKER.