NFU Horticulture and Potatoes board chairman, Guy Poskitt, reflects on the success of Open Farm Sunday, and reports on Liz Truss' comments on the 3-crop rule
According to the latest survey, 22% of people now recognise the LEAF brand; my only concern is we do not confuse the message we give to customers with too many marks on the packaging. Although it would be nice in horticulture if customers could reward us and pay a premium accredited produce; this is the case with oilseed rape with some merchants offering a premium for rape with this certification.
I was pleased to hear that our new farming minister, Elizabeth Truss, spoke positively at the northern farming conference sharing our concerns about the 3-crop rule (technically called, Crop Diversification) saying "it is wrong for people in Brussels to be dictating what crops our farmers are growing here in England.” Truss was still supportive of Europe saying that a single market is still a very important part of our trade, however she stated that maybe it was time for a new generation of people to make the decisions since the last referendum was in 1975. She also commented that 25% of regulations that government are looking to cut were in Defra - many long overdue! The minister has also called for more reformed policy with some decision making taking place in Britain whilst remaining part of the single market.
Finally I am looking forward to meeting members next week in Cornwall and listen to any issues they may have. I can be contacted anytime at Z3V5bmZ1QHBvc2tpdHRjYXJyb3RzLmNvLnVr