Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) chairman, and former NFU president, Peter Kendall (pictured) has received a Knighthood in the New Year’s Honours.
The award drew immediate congratulations from current NFU president Meurig Raymond who said the honour was “well-deserved as Mr Kendall continues to champion British agriculture and British farmers and growers”.
“It’s difficult to know where to start with Peter’s achievements and what he has done for British farmers and for British farming, there are so many,” said Mr Raymond. “I could say it was bringing together a coalition of organisations in SOS Dairy to present a united industry in support of dairy farmers; I could say that it was his successful and tireless campaign to ensure farmers in England and Wales had a fair deal during the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, I could say it was his Presidency which finally got the government to address the issue of TB in wildlife.
“It’s all of those things, but his biggest achievement I believe was leading the way in changing the perceptions of farming and creating an image of a vibrant, successful and positive industry. He reminded government why farming mattered, he demonstrated to politicians what farming delivered and more recently has encouraged their support to back British farming.”
Sir Peter himself commented: “I am incredibly proud to receive this honour and to have had the privilege of helping represent and promote British farming, farmers and food production in my time as president of the NFU.
“It’s an industry that is so important to the country and I see this honour in part as recognition of the vital contribution that British farming makes day-in-day-out.
“Whilst I was President of the NFU I saw first-hand the fantastic work and commitment of both members and first-class staff to support and promote our farming industry and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.
“I hope that the work that I have done – and continue to do – has contributed to the positive image and public support for British farming. I continue to be massively proud to be a farmer.”
See Pig World report on Sir Peter’s vision for AHDB
