NFU president meets new DEFRA Secretary of State

NFU President Peter Kendall has had an extensive first meeting with new DEFRA Secretary of State, David Miliband, which included a farm visit in Hampshire.

Commenting afterwards, Peter Kendall said, "I am delighted to have had this early opportunity to talk to the new Minister. He was open in his need to learn about the industry and we talked very positively about finding sustainable and profitable solutions to farming that also deliver for the environment and society. He understands that farming matters, now and for the future, and he told me that farming is important for the country as well as the countryside"

"I am looking forward to working with him and his team. I want a productive, profitable industry that also contributes to government agendas, especially to mitigate climate change. I believe the Minister wants that too."

"Later today I am meeting Lord Rooker to discuss the SPS and other current farming policy issues. I am very pleased that most farmers are now in the process of receiving 80% of their 2005 payments. We remain determined to resolve the issues for those farmers who have received no money."