Sterling hurting farmers, warns NFU

27 December 2000



Sterling hurting farmers, warns NFU

by FWi staff

THE National Farmers Union has called on the government to acknowledge the hardship being inflicted on British farmers by erratic currency fluctuations.

NFU president Ben Gill said farm businesses were continuing to suffer because the over-valued Pound was still driving down the value of subsidies.

“The government must acknowledge the damage wrought on agriculture by erratic currency fluctuations, including the over-valuation of sterling, he said.

Agrimonetary compensation for this must be paid out in full.

Mr Gill also called on ministers to continue the governments programme of effective de-regulation of the agricultural sector at a quickened pace

But he acknowledged that farmers could go some way to help themselves.

“Farmers must make a concerted effort in 2001 to become a more powerful force in the market place through collaboration, he concluded.