In today's Farming in Five, chief reporter Rachael Brown discusses Defra's announcement to give councils the power to seize and crush vehicles belonging to waste criminals and fly tippers after MPs warned that farming families were being pushed into 'debt and despair' due to criminals dumping waste on their land, plus the sheep industry's concerns that destocking the uplands is leading to 'increased' wildfire risks, and the 130 jobs at risk due to the planned closure of Arla's milk processing plant in North Yorkshire
MPs have urged Gov and local councils to take action which deters criminals from 'repeatedly' targeting rural and farming communities
Lisa Smart, Lib Dem MP for Hazel Grove and Party spokesperson on Home Affairs, said it was 'unacceptable' that the Government's Crime and Policing Bill had not once addressed rural crime
CLA calls for greater action as its survey reveals 90% of members have been a victim of rubbish dumping
Police said Kent beauty spot had rubbish piled 15 feet high
With around two-thirds of UK farmers and landowners being subject to fly-tipping, is it time for offenders to receive more severe punishment?
'We are fed up' says park director as debris found strewn across fields
The Environment Agency said waste crime costs the economy in England an estimated £1 billion a year through evaded tax, environmental and social harm, and lost legitimate business
NSA's chief executive Phil Stocker said he could not support furthering the public's right to access the countryside without increased protection for farmers, businesses and livestock due to 'irresponsible' behaviour
To prevent lead and copper poisoning this grazing season, farmers are being urged to follow five steps