Gill issues election challenge
6 February 2001
Gill issues election challenge
By FWi staff
PUT farming at the centre of the general election campaign, National Farmers Union president Ben Gill will urge politicians on Tuesday (6 February).
Mr Gill will issue his “general election challenge” at the unions annual conference and AGM in London.
The NFU leader is expected to say that agriculture is in an extremely fragile state, although there are signs of recovery.
It is thought he will tell delegates that there has never been a more vital time to influence politicians.
“For many farmers and growers this will be the most important general election of their lives.”
The NFU asks prospective candidates to support 14 key areas, and will distribute the list to farmers to enable them to challenge politicians.
The “wish-list” includes: policy to create more stable exchange rates, and the removal of “red tape” and “green taxes” such as the climate change levy.
Ministry of Agriculture figures published last week show that farm incomes have slumped by 10% in the past year. They have fallen 70% in five years.
Average net farm income – the return to farmers and spouses after family labour – tumbled to just 5200 a farm.