Produce more, but spend less on research

"At a time when government advisors are saying that farmers should produce more food to feed a growing population, it is spending less on research and development." Peter Kendall told NFU Cymru members in Monmouthshire recently when he addressed their annual conference.

He continued, "If the new agenda is to increase production and continue to improve our environmental performance then science, technology and knowledge transfer are absolutely critical. Government sadly started to sell off research stations in the 1980s and of the 17 that were around the UK in 1970, unfortunately today there are only three left.

"The consequences have been severe as productivity, in my own sector of farming, which is cereals, has suffered quite drastically and in comparison with other nations the UK agricultural sector shows very poor growth and levels of efficiency."

Mr Kendall told Monmouthshire NFU Cymru members that if farmers were to help feed the growing global demand for food then more money needed to be put into research and development of water availability, changes in diet, weather and energy now.

During the meeting discussions were also had on the necessity to vaccinate against the Bluetongue Virus strain 8. Lyndon Edwards, a livestock farmer from near Monmouth, told those present that he was absolutely appalled with those that have said they weren’t going to vaccinate.

Mr Edwards said, "If a neighbour of mine told me he wasn’t going to vaccinate I’d be furious, they should be made to vaccinate in my opinion. It’s the only way to protect and secure the future of our livestock industry and food production in this country."

Alan Williams, the new County Chairman for NFU Cymru in Monmouthshire, said, "Thank you to everyone for attending the conference. We are very grateful to Mr Kendall, the President of the NFU, for all the hard work and long hours he puts in on our behalf. I would also like to thank HSBC bank for sponsoring the event."