Torridge councillors urged to support farmers during bluetongue outbreak

Torridge District Councillors will soon vote on a notice of motion aimed at supporting local farmers struggling with the bluetongue virus outbreak. The motion, introduced by Councillor Nigel Kenneally, calls for the council to express concerns to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) regarding the management of the outbreak.

Kenneally is urging DEFRA to increase testing capacity, accelerate the processing of results, and expedite the procurement of vaccines. The motion also proposes a one-off £10,000 grant to the Farming Community Network (FCN) to provide practical and emotional assistance to farming families in the Torridge District area who are facing financial pressure and uncertainty.