NFU President Meurig Raymond writes...
Officeholders and staff have spoken to thousands of members at shows, meetings and over kitchen tables. This is why we can confidently press politicians, meet with officials in Brussels and coordinate our lobbying with farming organisations across the UK and Europe. In the year ahead we will continue to do this, and indeed do it with more intensity and purpose now that negotiations are underway.
How we're working for YOU:
I am proud of how the NFU was able to use the General Election as a platform for what farming needs beyond Brexit, ensuring decision makers know what matters most to farming. It worked - since his appointment, Secretary of State Michael Gove, has met the NFU more than any other trade association and attended our events across England and Wales.
Using these opportunities well is vital. We have pressed Mr Gove to fully implement the government’s 25-year TB eradication strategy, the Justice Secretary and Police and Crime Commissioners to take rural crime seriously with punitive penalties, retailers and processors to achieve fairer contracts in the supply chain and ministers to promote British food at home and abroad, including championing the Red Tractor.
In Brussels, the NFU has been at the forefront of successful efforts to ensure plant protection products are available for farmers and are fighting to ensure neonicotinoids are not banned for use on outdoor crops. At home, we’ve held the RPA to account over late, inaccurate and underpaid payments.
It’s impossible to list all the areas where the NFU is working on your behalf in this letter. But now is a critical time for us, as farmers, and our sector. By working together we are so much stronger and our voice is louder. At present, our membership remains high and the NFU will continue to successfully use its significant influence for the benefit of members.
I hope we can continue to rely on your support.