The NFU Centenary Conference in London on the 18 and 19 February has attracted heavy-hitters from the world of politics and industry.

The impressive roll call includes Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Tory Party leader David Cameron, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown used his speech to 1000 people attending the NFU Centenary Conference Dinner on Monday night (Feb 18) to praise the resilience and ingenuity of farmers and called the union a “great national institution”.

“You [the NFU] are held in esteem, respect affection and perhaps I should say awe by politicians and the people of this country,” he said.

One absentee from the all-star cast was Tesco boss Terry Leahy who had to pull out after a ski accident. Lucy Neville Rolf stood in to toe the Tesco line.

The second day will feature the election for the NFU vice-president post.

Stories about the NFU centenary conference on FWi:

1. TB decision coming when? (Food for Thought)
2. Video of the Prime Minister's speech to NFU Conference (Food for ...
3. Peter Kendall takes a swipe at 'freeloaders' at the NFU Centenary...
4. Gordon Brown pays tribute to farming industry at NFU Centenary Co...
5. Poultry producers urged to insure against volatile wheat prices
6. GM technology could play a key role in food retail
7. Last summer's floods will not prompt change in Environment Agency...
8. The NFU at 100
9. Delia gives boost to M&S (Food for Thought)
10. 'Perfect storm' brewing for agriculture according to the Sustaina...
11. Time is right to secure dairy farmer's financial future
12. Lib Dem leader tells farmers to focus on consumers
13. Watch NFU president Peter Kendall's speech - Videos
14. 'We must try not to whinge' - NFU
15. Agricultural buildings allowances need rethinking according to NF...
16. Plan to limit single farm payments dismissed
17. Cost of bluetongue (blue tongue) vaccine continues to worry lives...
18. OFT decision may make supermarket talks difficult
19. DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn culls badger talk
20. Tesco gets a mauling (Food for Thought)
21. GM crops the only way to feed a growing world population
22. Conservative party leader David Cameron attacks the government’s ...
23. David Cameron's speech at NFU Centenary Conference (Food for Thou...
24. Tesco chief pulls out of conference after taking a tumble (Food f...
25. TB gloom dominates opening conference session (Food for Thought)

NFU CENTENARY CONFERENCE

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Farmers Weekly is reporting live from the event throughout the two days. Keep up to date with the latest developments and speeches through this page and on our Food For Thought blog.

You can also see what others have said - and contribute yourself - on the forums.