The NFU has a crucial role to play in making the public aware of why farming matters and of the importance and effect of different food production standards and methods, NFU President Peter Kendall said today.

Speaking at the St George’s House conference at Windsor Castle, Mr Kendall highlighted the fact that there was increasing demand for responsibly produced agricultural produce at a time when freer trade was creating more consumer choice.

The reality of trade restrictions meant products produced to lower standards would continue to have access to domestic markets where producers faced higher standards and, as a result, higher costs.

People were also becoming more aware of the relationship between agriculture, the environment, the safeguarding of rural communities and the wider economy, and such concerns needed to be included as a fundamental part of trade negotiations.

ThePigSite News Desk