Farmers Prepare for G8 Disruptions

The agricultural community in County Fermanagh is bracing itself for the arrival of world leaders attending the G8 summit at the Lough Erne Golf Resort on 17^th and 18^th of June.

However, the massive increase in security measures which surrounds such a high-profile international event means that the day-to-day running of farms and agri businesses is sure to be affected.

Delays in deliveries and collections, heavy restrictions on fieldwork and the movement of animals and anticipated traffic congestion means some farms could find themselves in a state of virtual lock-down.

In the lead up to the G8 Summit the UFU have been actively involved in discussions with the organisers and have highlighted a range of concerns.

The Union have explained to the organisers that June is a busy time of year for farmers and that it is important that they can continue with their work with the least disruption.

UFU Deputy President Barclay Bell said: “We realise that the G8 Summit is going to be a very big event with possible significant knock-on consequences for the local community in Fermanagh, not least the farming community who will be living and working in close proximity to the Summit venue. Whilst the Summit is a major economic boost to Fermanagh, we also want to ensure that any disruption to farmers is minimised and we would encourage the farming community to take on board the practical advice DARD has given.”

Advice

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued advice and information to the local agricultural community who may be affected by events around the G8 summit in Fermanagh.

In an attempt to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of service, the Department is advising the following:

Farmers requiring delivery of meal or other farm supplies during the period should plan their deliveries before or after these dates. It may still be possible to get supplies but lorry drivers may be subject to significant delays.

Plan stock movements between fields in the area around or within the security cordon of the Lough Erne Golf Resort in advance where possible.

Plan field operations such as silage harvesting and fertilizer spreading for the period before or after the Summit. PSNI have advised that all vehicles entering the security cordon will be searched so congestion and delays can be expected.

Veterinary Surgeons in the area will be operating as normal and in an emergency, farmers are advised to contact their Veterinary Surgeon to make arrangements to deal with sick or injured animals.

Milk will be collected but the milk tanker may be delayed due to traffic disruption and diversions. The dairy processors in the area are aware of the situation and are working with those most likely to be affected.

The owners of the Enniskillen Livestock Market, have indicated that there will be no sales between the dates of 14 and 18 June 2013.

The DARD office at Inishkeen House will remain open on 17 and 18 June from 9am to 4pm. However, it would be advisable to conduct business before or after these dates due to expected traffic congestion in the area.

CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus will remain open on 17 and 18 June from 9am to 5pm. However, as there may be some traffic congestion on these dates and during the previous week, it is advisable to contact the Campus in advance of travelling.

Herd owners who are unable to deliver cattle registration forms are advised to use the DARD Online or Telephone Cattle Registration Service by telephoning on 0300 200 7855.

(Source – Farming Life.com Published on 12/06/2013)

What is the G8 ?

The Group of Eight (G8) is a forum for the governments of the world’s eight wealthiest countries. The forum originated with a 1975 summit hosted by France that brought together representatives of six governments: France, West Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, thus leading to the name Group of Six or G6. The summit became known as the Group of Seven or G7 the following year with the addition of Canada. The G7, that is active even after the creation of the G8, is composed by 7 of 8 of the wealthiest countries on Earth (as net wealth and not GDP). In 1997, Russia was added to the group which then became known as the G8. The European Union is represented within the G8 but cannot host or chair summits.

“G8” can refer to the member states in aggregate or to the annual summit meeting of the G8 heads of government. The former term, G6, is now frequently applied to the six most populous countries within the European Union. G8 ministers also meet throughout the year, such as the G7/8 finance ministers (who meet four times a year), G8 foreign ministers, or G8 environment ministers.

Collectively, the G8 nations comprise 50.1% of 2012 global nominal GDP and 40.9% of global GDP (PPP). Each calendar year, the responsibility of hosting the G8 rotates through the member states in the following order: France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. The holder of the presidency sets the agenda, hosts the summit for that year, and determines which ministerial meetings will take place. Lately, both France and the United Kingdom have expressed a desire to expand the group to include five developing countries, referred to as the Outreach Five (O5) or the Plus Five: Brazil, People’s Republic of China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. These countries have participated as guests in previous meetings, which are sometimes called G8+5.

With the G-20 major economies growing in stature since the 2008 Washington summit, world leaders from the group announced at their Pittsburgh summit on September 25, 2009, that the group will replace the G8 as the main economic council of wealthy nations.

(Source – Wikipedia – Online At: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G8_Summit)