Volume 12: Livestock Farming
7. Sources of expertise and advice to farmers
Other membership organisations
Farming publications

7.19 The National Cattle Breeders' Association (NCBA) is a representative body concerned with beef production. In 1991 the NCBA issued to members a Code of Practice for beef production. This detailed minimum acceptable standards, with sections on feeding, housing, health, transport and marketing, slaughter and meat handling, and general principles. It did not include any reference to BSE. ¹

7.20 The Women's Farming Union (WFU) is a non-profit organisation with branches throughout England, Wales and Scotland. It was founded in 1979. The WFU's main goal is to link farmers and consumers by:

1. promoting demand for British farm produce;
2. encouraging farmers and growers to practise better marketing;
3. improving communication in the farming industry;
4. ensuring that British produce is available and well promoted; and
5. lobbying against unfair competition and for measures which are in the positive interest of British consumers and producers. ²

7.21 The Country Landowners' Association (CLA) represents the interests of 50,000 members who collectively own approximately 60 per cent of rural land in England and Wales. Most members are involved in agriculture either asowner/occupiers, or owners with tenants. ³

Farming publications

7.22 Commercial publications, and in particular specialist farming publications, have consistently provided an important and regular source of advice for farmers, information on current affairs and new issues, and articles on good farming practice.