NFU Centenary Conference: FWi’s special report

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:

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.