(2) how much carbon dioxide was released into the environment as a result of (a) fallen stock collection, (b) the burning of fallen stock and (c) the rendering of fallen stock in each year between 2004 and 2006.
My Department has made no assessment on the amount of carbon dioxide released as a result of fallen stock collection and disposal. However, total UK greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture fell by 16.4 per cent. between 1990 and 2005—the latest year that estimates are available.
The Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002 prohibits the burial, dumping or open-burning of fallen stock (with few exceptions) and is in place to protect public and animal health. Incineration and rendering provide a safe and controlled way of dealing with the disposal of animal carcasses.
There are various animal health and environmental controls that incinerator operators must follow when disposing of fallen stock. These can be found on the DEFRA website.