Truss re-appointed as Defra Secretary – NFU reaction

Liz Truss
Liz Truss

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We look forward to working with Liz Truss in her continued capacity as Defra Secretary as we have done for the last 10 months.

“The NFU has been lobbying the next government on key issues in the farming sector and we hope that now we have Ms Truss in place our asks of Government, as well as the Conservative pledges, will be implemented in a timely manner.

“We are eager to work with the Government on their ambitious plan for Britain to grow more, buy more and sell more British food at home and abroad as the NFU and farmers share this ambition. We have already argued strongly that we need such a plan to reverse long-term declines in farming productivity and the nation’s self-sufficiency.

“Crucial issues in our sector calling for the Government’s immediate attention include problems and issues surrounding BPS. With just weeks to go until the June 15 deadline, it’s imperative that enough resource is put in place, as time is running out.

“Another very pressing issue is TB; we are urging the Government to make an announcement as soon as possible on further roll-out of badger culling to areas where TB in endemic and to implement the 25-year TB Eradication Strategy in full as quickly as possible.”