THE National Farmers' Union has given a hearty welcome for the new Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced over the weekend by Prime Minister Tony Blair after his general election landslide.

The new ministry, under Labour party veteran Margaret Becket, will replace MAFF, as we predicted two weeks ago. Former agriculture minister Nick Brown has been sacked, as we also predicted when the early shambles in MAFF's fight against foot and mouth disease became evident.

MAFF to be replaced

The NFU has worked closely with MAFF since World War 11 and will now have to create a brand new policy in its dealings with DEFR (is this is the acronym which will be used). In a lengthy statement laying the union's cards on the table, FU President Ben Gill said it was extremely good news that food was in the title of the new department, demonstrating the Government's clear commitment to the food industry and agriculture.

He said one of the first and most vital jobs for the new Secretary of State - announced in the weekend Cabinet re-shuffle - would be to ensure no momentum was lost in the battle against foot and mouth disease.

But no less important would be a programme to help speed the industry to recovery after one of its most disastrous episodes ever.

Mr Gill said: "There is much to be done - and fast. We intend to work with the Secretary of State and her team to ensure that farmers' best interests are served.

"With the rigours of foot and mouth still upon us and a new department overseeing agriculture, there has never been a better time for a wide-ranging debate on the future for our industry.

"In this debate it is vital that there is a thorough understanding of the realities of food production in Britain today and we intend to have maximum input to make sure this is the case.

"As for the next few days and weeks, we will be keen to fully establish the exact nature and remit of the new department. We will also do our utmost to ensure the new Secretary of State understands the overwhelming pressures on the industry at this time."