2013: The farming year in quotes
2013 has seen agriculture’s movers and shakers sounding off about all manner of farming issues.
From the outspoken to the downright bizare, we’ve picked some of our favourite quotes over the year.
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“He hasn’t given us any reason. We’re all very disappointed.” |
| Spokeswoman for Lush cosmetic stores after rock star Brian May fails to turn up for a badger cull protest in London. Mr May later says he never agreed to attend. (1 May). | |
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“He has a beard and appears avuncular.” |
| Farm minister David Heath is the 24th most influential Liberal Democrat, says political blogger Ian Dale. Three weeks later, Mr Heath loses his job in a government reshuffle. (17 September) | |
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“We recognise that use of the Scottish flag could suggest the products contain meat sourced and reared in Scotland.” |
| Discount retailer Aldi apologises after farmers discover that meat in products bearing the Scottish Saltire actually comes from South America. (7 June) | |
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“I’m looking very carefully to put in a morris dancing filter.” |
| DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson says he is determined to ensure rural development schemes offer taxpayers and farmers value for money by only funding worthwhile initiatives. (30 September).. | |
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“This is Beckett all over again.” |
| Nottinghamshire farmer John Charles-Jones recalls Margaret Beckett’s 2003 CAP reform deal, as NFU council passes a resolution stating that DEFRA plans to implement CAP reform in 2014 will be a catastrophe. (25 June). | |
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“People come to my surgeries dressed in exciting outfits.” |
| DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson tells an NFU fringe meeting at the Tory Party conference in Manchester that he has tried talking to badger cull protestors who lobby him in his Shropshire constituency. (30 September) | |
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“Stop moaning about the weather – you’re farmers.” |
| Farmers For Action chairman David Handley says dairy producers should be taking action against low milk prices rather than blaming their woes on another bad winter (24 April). | |
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