TERMS OF REFERENCE

To conduct an investigation in public into the Foot and Mouth epidemic in Devon and to make recommendations to the Government's inquiries into FMD and the future of farming and the countryside for:

1. the tackling of any future major animal disease outbreak;
2. the creation of a sustainable, competitive and diverse farming and food sector which contributes to a thriving and sustainable rural economy and advances environmental, economic, health and animal welfare goals.

In carrying out its task the Inquiry will take into account:

• the impact of the Foot and Mouth outbreak on the economy, environment and health of the communities of Devon;
• the contribution the Devon Recovery Plan can make to the future reform of agriculture, food production and promotion and land use, and to the creation of a sustainable rural economy;
• the effectiveness of the various agencies involved in the response to the 2001 outbreak, their inter-relationship and relationship with local communities, and identify any constraints such as resources, communications, command and control systems, and training.

And that the findings be:

• Made widely available to the public, stakeholders and key opinion formers such as MPs, MEPs and the media;
• Used to support the county's bid for Government funding for the Devon Recovery Plan.

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