Caring Across Borders hopes to help UK farmers
By MONETTE TAYLOR | Country World South Central
April 19, 2001 -- With the devastation in Europe because of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), one woman, Mary Duvall of New Orleans, has initiated a campaign to help producers in Europe know the United States cares.
"This campaign was begun following a two-week business trip to Europe and the UK in March, and as a result of witnessing the FMD devastation taking place.
"With deep ancestral roots in England, a lifetime of travel and professional work dedicated to strengthening ties between our two nations, I felt compelled to do what I could to help farmers and their families," said Duvall.
Caring Across Borders has three areas of concern and help.
First, there is the "Cattle Call for Compassion" which targets cattle, sheep, goat and pig associations all over the United States, by state and region. Texas and North Dakota cattlewomen made it the theme of their state conventions, wearing thousands of green ribbons as a show of support during National Agriculture Week.
There is concern that rare breeds could be made extinct in the UK by this disease.
"Some of the oldest herds and historic breeds are affected," said Thomas Schooler of the Animal Transportation Association (AATA) out of Houston.
This non-profit organization is dedicated to the safe and humane transportation of animals ... worldwide ... and emphasizes the safe transport of all animals by sea, air and land.
According to Schooler's contacts in the UK, cattle are still going to market, consumers are still eating beef and the prices haven't changed in the markets on beef products.
Until the UK has control of FMD, there will be no transportation of animals into the country.
Schooler stated that the major concern of UK producers is getting the government to lift restrictions on the animals on the farms in the country. After that happens, a better determination of needs can be addressed.
The Blonde D' Aquitaine Association has offered two heifers and all types of Angus cattle have been offered, too. Semen (straws) and zygotes are being offered and would be more easily shipped, once permission is given to transport this help to the UK.
Sound Horse Organization of America, dedicated to fighting cruelty and neglect to horses, has offered a financial donation to help farmers cope with the loss of their own animals. Other organizations and associations will hopefully follow suit.
A second part of the campaign is "Operation Smile."
"Children often suffer most in times of great tragedy, as they must witness the impact, unable to help," said Duvall.
A plan for card and letter writing is under way and will include child-to-child and school-to-school correspondence.
"Focusing on hardest hit area schools, our goal is to let the children speak to each other. There are great lessons to be learned, we believe, about humanity and caring," added Duvall.
At this time, Caring Across Borders is in the process of gathering lists of UK primary and secondary schools from the internet for distribution to schools and churches. Older students should be able to access the Internet for communication with UK students.
Perhaps the largest challenge lies with the "Flying Ark" part of the program. Organizers are seeking to organize free air transportation for all donated animals, as well as the straws and zygotes. Various major air carrier organizations and corporations have been contacted for help, once it is possible to access what the UK needs are and what regulations will allow. Organizations interested in being a part of this transport are still needed.
"Traditionally, restrictions against import of U.S. livestock have been stringent, less so for rare breeds and straws. Our feeling is that the full recovery of the farming/livestock industry in UK could take decades, or longer, without restrictions being eased to allow help to be received," said Duvall.
A website has been donated and is expected to be online in the next few weeks. It will provide information, contacts and links to UK agencies for donations, and will provide lists of schools in the UK with addresses. It will, also, provide an ongoing and updated list of donations by breed and list credits to those making donations of all types.
"In essence, we are designing it as a bridge to recovery -- people-to-people, farm-to-farm and child-to-child," said Duvall.
Duvall can be reached at: mary@nolaEvents.com.
