The NFU is preparing for action following yesterday's Queen's Speech and the publication of the coalition’s ‘Programme for Government’ last week.
NFU President Peter Kendall said that the opening words of the Queen’s Speech said it all: the Government’s first priority was to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth.
“There's no pretending that the farming sector can escape the impact of the massive cutback in public spending this country faces,” said Mr Kendall.
“The savings announced by the Chancellor and his team on Monday are only a taster for what is to come.
“But the second part of the headline statement, about the need to restore economic growth, is crucial too and that’s where farmers and growers have a vital role to play. Competitiveness of the industry is central to this challenge. The NFU will be talking to and working with government departments and agencies to ensure that whatever policies are implemented they enhance that competitiveness.
“I am delighted to see, for example, that the coalition is committed to reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and we look forward to the industry-led review of regulation the Conservative party has promised. I would expect the Agricultural Wages Act - with its costly and bureaucratic regime that duplicates minimum wage legislation and reduces competitiveness - to be a prime candidate for repeal, particularly as that would reduce pressure on the public purse too; a real win-win.
“Equally, I was encouraged by yesterday’s commitment to support investment in new high-speed broadband connections across the piece. If farming and other rural businesses are to play their full part in the recovery they need to have the same access to information and e-services as their urban counterparts.
“Obviously, we have some concerns, more about what has been left unsaid than what has been said. We will be raising these with ministers across government at the earliest opportunity. Given the enormity of the global food security challenge, I would have liked to see an express commitment in the coalition’s programme to investment in long-term agricultural research and development. The Conservative farming manifesto talked about prioritising R&D and developing a long-term strategic agenda across the food chain that reflects the importance of raising production sustainably. I trust that the coalition government will follow through on that.”
Read our initial analysis of the Bills contained in the Queen's speech here.
No comments have been made.