Charles Abel • Farm Policy
Minette’s Update NFU President and Club member Minette Batters spoke frankly to members and guests at The Farmers Club’s AGM Luncheon. Charles Abel reports
“Continual engagement and providing solutions is key.”
IN early July the fine surroundings of the Club’s Farmers Suite, overlooking the River Thames, provided the backdrop as NFU President Minette Batters delivered a powerful insight into UK agriculture’s prospects before fielding a wide range of questions. Hosted by Club Chairman Keith Redpath the luncheon was one of the first events where members and their guests could gather to enjoy the Club’s wonderful surroundings since its May re-opening. Upholding its long tradition for facilitating discussions of farming’s key issues, with Parliamentarians, senior industry figures and
06 • The Farmers Club Summer/Harvest 2021
practising farmers all involved, the day was a very welcome return to normal Club service. Extraordinary dynamics Ms Batters, who farms in Wiltshire, made no bones about the “very, very extraordinary times” the sector currently faced. Previous NFU Presidents faced disease outbreaks that challenged farming, but nothing as seismic as the global pandemic. Back in March 2020, with everyone working remotely, the big question was how could the NFU influence a government holding a large majority, introducing legislation on such as wide front, while such extraordinary dynamics were being played out.
