NFUdefends NVZ line
NFUdefends NVZ line
NFU chiefs have rejected allegations that the union had let East Anglian farmers down over their campaign against the governments designation of nitrate vulnerable zones.
Stuart Gemmill, Suffolk NFU county chairman, said there was a feeling among his members that the NFU had backed away from joining the 140 farmers who mounted a High Court challenge against the designation of the Waveney Valley.
Brian McLaughlin, NFU head of environment and land use, said the union had consistently dedicated considerable amounts of investment in NVZs, but the Suffolk group had failed to respond to NFU correspondence.
"We have reinvested resources to look into their case and refute the suggestions put forward.
"NVZs have represented the highest single commodity on my budget over the past four years," he added.