Thread by @NFUtweets

It’s a busy press centre here at #OFC20 ready to hear from our President @Minette_Batters in today’s political session.

@Minette_Batters "There is nothing more important to our economy, to our health and to our environment than the very food we eat," @Minette_Batters kicks off #OFC20.

@Minette_Batters .@Minette_Batters highlights the three tests the NFU have set out for a thriving farming sector: free and frictionless trade with the EU, access to a competent and reliable workforce, and an agricultural policy for agricultural purposes.

@Minette_Batters This time last year, the NFU announced its ambition to reach #netzero by 2040, @Minette_Batters tells #OFC20.

@Minette_Batters .@Minette_Batters says to @DefraGovUK Secretary Theresa Villiers that this Government can be a global leader in climate change. Farmers are up for the challenge, she says. #OFC20

@Minette_Batters @DefraGovUK There is a moral imperative for us to produce quality food in the UK and we should be striving to produce more, @Minette_Batters says. #OFC20

@Minette_Batters @DefraGovUK .@Minette_Batters says that water must be a central part of Government spending commitments on public infrastructure. #OFC20

@Minette_Batters @DefraGovUK .@Minette_Batters asks the @DefraGovUK Secretary of State to introduce a food standards commission to scrutinise trade deals and ensure we do not import food produced to standards illegal in the UK #OFC20

@Minette_Batters @DefraGovUK We want to be the most sustainable farmers in the world and we stand ready to work with the Government to achieve that, @Minette_Batters says as she closes her speech to #OFC20