The National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging Defra to ensure farmers and agriculture get the continuity they deserve as it welcomes its new leaders.
While NSA would like to welcome the Rt Hon Emma Reynolds as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Dame Angela Eagle as Minister at Defra, the organisation recognises the challenges of continuity given two changes at the top level of Defra.
Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said: “It is a really exciting time for agriculture when so much has been done over the last few years with major policy work such as the Farming Roadmap, Food Strategy and Land Use Framework.
“It is vital Government gets these correct and so we wish the new Secretary of State and Minister all the very best. We want to continue to work with them, given that NSA has so far played such a positive role in agricultural reform to date.”
NSA also stressed the importance of stability for the sector.
“This does give us some challenges and concerns given that we have such a changeover in terms of the ministerial team heading up Defra. We will be relying on Defra to provide the continuity that farmers and agriculture requires,” added Mr Stocker.
The NSA said it looks forward to continuing constructive engagement with Defra and ensuring sheep farming and wider agriculture is supported through this period of transition.
