NFU President Upbeat About UK Farming Sector
News release
8th February 2013
National Farmers’ Union President Peter Kendall gave an upbeat assessment of the UK agricultural sector when he spoke at two Farm Business Updates organised by Duncan & Toplis and Brown & Co yesterday (Thursday).
While he acknowledged that the farming sector faces many challenges, he described UK agriculture as a modern, exciting and high-tech industry.
“There are many challenges facing agriculture as it grapples to improve food security, feed an ever increasing population and deal with changing weather patterns, market volatility caused by the supply and demand of commodities globally, political influences and the activities of speculators,” said Mr Kendall.
“There is a need for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform but volatility in farm incomes needs to be managed, and reform should not be to the detriment of the UK farmer compared to others elsewhere in Europe.”
Mr Kendall closed by applauding UK farmers who continue to produce great food in a responsible way of which they should be proud.
More than 250 delegates attended the two events, which were held at Greetham Valley near Oakham and the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
They also heard Andy Severn, Head of Tax at Duncan & Toplis, speak about the need for farmers not to ignore inheritance tax.
“There is a very real need for farmers to review their particular circumstances, to get their housekeeping in order with regard to the presentation of their accounts as well as the partnership agreement reflecting what the family operation actually does,” Mr Severn said, stressing the importance of seeking appropriate professional advice.
Adrian Reynolds, Managing Partner at Duncan & Toplis, commented: “I was delighted to see so many people from the East Midlands agricultural sector at these events, and I’m sure that they all took away some valuable information and insights.
“I was especially pleased to be able to welcome such a prestigious figure as Peter Kendall to be our keynote speaker.”
One delegate, James Pocklington from Boston, commented: “Once again I found the event very enlightening and everybody will have gone away feeling assured that Peter Kendall is representing the interests of Lincolnshire farmers at the highest level in government.”
Notes to editors:
- Peter Kendall is in his fourth term as NFU President, having first been elected in 2006.
- Duncan & Toplis was established in 1925 and has since grown into one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants in the Midlands.
- It offers a wide range of services to small, medium and large-sized family businesses, from accountancy, audit and tax to payroll, human resources and computer services.
- Duncan & Toplis has over 80 years’ experience of working in agriculture and acts for more than 500 farming clients.
- Brown & Co aims to be a leading provider of agency, professional and consultancy services across the whole range of rural, commercial and residential property, agriculture and the environment.
Jez Ashberry
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @jezashberry
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