NFU nine point challenge for Miliband - UK - NFU president Peter Kendall today spoke of his expectations of David Miliband, ahead of the new Secretary of State’s inaugural Royal Show address.

Speaking at the NFU’s press briefing this morning Mr Kendall set out a nine point plan of priorities for farming on which he hoped Mr Miliband would be concentrating.

He said: “Today we have the first speech to a farming audience by our new Secretary of State, David Miliband. He has said to me he wants to work in partnership; and I expect to hear something of this today. We are up for this- provided there is a genuine partnership on offer.

“One of the vital issues we are facing at the moment is future funding for rural development. I know that David Miliband is currently in negotiation with the Treasury on this so I don’t expect him to be able to say anything today. But he knows how important it is to us that modulation is kept to a minimum, and that match funding is retained.

“What else would we like to hear him say today? My own checklist would be:

• A recognition of the importance of production agriculture to the country
• A willingness to sponsor & champion the industry
• A readiness to reduce trade distortions
• A recognition of the need for a healthier supply chain
• An understanding of the importance of science & research
• Action to reduce the regulatory burden
• Support for how farming can contribute to reducing climate change
• The importance of local food
• The need to improve government delivery.”