CLAIMS that compensation payments for cattle that are culled because of Bovine TB are too high have led to plans for a new valuation system in Wales.

The minister for natural resources and food has outlined plans to replace individual, on-farm valuations with a ‘fairer’ table system, with compensation payments based on average market prices for pre-determined categories of cattle.

“We need a compensation system that is fair to both cattle keepers and taxpayers and one that encourages cattle keepers to play their part in eradicating this disease from Wales,” said Alun Davies.

“I believe that there are distinct advantages to adopting this system particularly as it would speed up the removal of diseased animals from farms and reduce the risk of further TB spread.”

The EU Audit and Task Force recently criticised the level of TB valuations in Wales and the minister fears Wales could lose funding for its eradication programme if nothing is done.

“By not recognising this criticism we could jeopardise EU co-financing of certain bovine TB control measures,” added Mr Davies.

However, the plans have already drawn criticism for having the potential to overcompensate lower quality livestock and undervalue high standard animals.

Plaid Cymru Rural Affairs spokesman Llyr Gruffydd AM, said: “Table valuation is a crude system that fails to properly reflect the true value of the animal and it penalises those who develop cattle of high quality.”

The plans for TB compensation arrangements are now out to consultation and people are being encourage to have their say. The consultation runs until April 22nd and is available at http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/?skip=1&lang=en.