Lantra, the UK Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, has backed a report that addresses veterinary expertise in food animal production.

The 'Unlocking Potential' report, produced by Professor Philip Lowe on behalf of Defra, identifies the potential for veterinarians to increase their role by providing expert advice to the farming and food industries.

Industry Partnership Manager, Lisa Jarvis, said: "Lantra welcomes this report on the farm animal veterinary services, which encourages the discussion of the future of veterinary businesses and services, role of support staff and para-professionals. We are pleased to be recognised alongside Defra, the RCVS, the BVA and the NFU, as a key organisation to drive the development of training and career structures in the industry."

The report highlights that the scale of and demand for veterinary technical services for farm animals and the food sector should be investigated, identifying training needs and obstacles to skills development. This is currently being addressed through Lantra's LandSkills project which is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

Lantra's National Director for England, Madge Moore, said:  "Through the LandSkills programme, Lantra has already engaged with a number of veterinary practices from across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands and West Midlands to deliver practical courses and farm health plans to eligible farming enterprises.  So far in Yorkshire and Humber vets have run a number of practical poultry courses where farmers have learnt how to carry out post-mortems on their own flock so they can find out if there is a recurring problem which they may need to rectify.  LandSkills West Midlands is also currently recruiting a number of vets in the region to deliver a farm health plan initiative."

Madge continued:  "Working with farmers and vets as part of LandSkills means that we are in a great position to look at the demand of these services whilst highlighting the importance of farmers utilising their vets more effectively by showing them what they can offer. However we also look forward to working with partners in leading the continued progression of the veterinary profession."

For more information about LandSkills and how veterinary surgeons are working with the programme visit www.lantra.co.uk/RDPELandSkills or call 08452 788800.

To view the report visit www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/ahws/vservices/index.htm

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.