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Royal Veterinary College moves to instil confidence in food market
The RVC course will explain intensive livestock systems.
The RVC course will explain intensive livestock systems.

Free online course will explain intensive livestock systems

With consumer confidence "at an all time low" following the horse meat scandal, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has launched a free online course to explain how intensive livestock systems work.

The three week, part-time, flexible course focuses on how food is made safe, the costs of its production, and the people involved from the farm to the table.

There is a specific focus on the pork and egg sectors which have some of the most developed production systems in the agri-food sector.

The course only requires two or three hours a week of study time, and incorporates quizzes, video and live discussion as well as written course material.

A certificate will be given to all participants who complete the course.

Prof Stephen May, deputy principal at the RVC, said: “I am really excited to be involved with this novel and enterprising course, which is a first for the RVC.

"Food is a subject which is literally ‘a matter of life and death’ for us all, so it is important that all members of society can understand and contribute to the important debate on our food supply and its safety.”

Enrolment for Food for Thought - The truth about food systems will start on Monday (10 with the course running from February 24 to March 14.

For further information, or to self-enrol on the course, please visit academy.rvc.ac.uk/info

This course has been funded by the Advanced Training Partnership in Intensive Livestock Health and Production.

– This article initially made reference to the RCVS being involved in the course. This was an error and we apologise for any confusion.

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.