Speaking at the NFU’s press briefing this morning Mr Kendall set out a nine point plan of priorities for farming on which he hoped Mr Miliband would be concentrating.

He said: “Today we have the first speech to a farming audience by our new Secretary of State, David Miliband. He has said to me he wants to work in partnership; and I expect to hear something of this today. We are up for this- provided there is a genuine partnership on offer.

“One of the vital issues we are facing at the moment is future funding for rural development. I know that David Miliband is currently in negotiation with the Treasury on this so I don’t expect him to be able to say anything today. But he knows how important it is to us that modulation is kept to a minimum, and that match funding is retained.

“What else would we like to hear him say today? My own checklist would be:

• A recognition of the importance of production agriculture to the country
• A willingness to sponsor & champion the industry
• A readiness to reduce trade distortions
• A recognition of the need for a healthier supply chain
• An understanding of the importance of science & research
• Action to reduce the regulatory burden
• Support for how farming can contribute to reducing climate change
• The importance of local food
• The need to improve government delivery.“