The agriculture industry must face reality, times have changed, was the message given by Peter Kendall, Deputy President of the NFU at a recent Anglesey Annual General Meeting. During an upbeat address Mr Kendall touched on compliance and regulations with opportunities for the future.
"We no longer have a Government that recognises agriculture as a special case. However, the Government will be much more sympathetic to an industry that is prepared to regulate itself and takes positive steps towards environmental protection. Farmers will respond if we find practical, cost effective solutions rather than having regulations imposed on us. This is where the role NFU is crucial, informed Mr Kendall.
The NFU is a membership driven organisation, that is able to look at the 'big' picture in England and Wales. We are not a one-issue organisation.
Turning to CAP Reform Mr Kendall said, "We will now have to produce to market requirement more than ever before at the least possible cost. Every opportunity must be taken to add value, with an excellent example being the PGI status, recently afforded to Welsh lamb.
However, we cannot get away from the fact that the industry faces a potentially difficult time during the transitional phase to the new system. We must not lose critical production mass. To ensure this does not happen, we need assurances from supermarkets and others that they will not turn to importing inferior food products to fill their shelves. The NFU is already talking to them to ensure not only their commitment to British and Welsh fresh meat and vegetables but also to use British and Welsh products in added value processed meals."
During the meeting, Mr Trevor Lloyd, Ty Mawr, Valley was elected as County Chairman with Llewellyn M Jones, Bridin, Gaerwen, stepping into the Vice Chair.
Outgoing Chairman Mr John Morris said " I wish the new officeholders well and I thank NFU members and staff for their support over the past 2 years. 2005 will see a major change in agricultural support and we must now look to the future with optimism and hope for a period of improving prices and consolidation in all sectors"