Kendall said the NFU welcomed the 1 pence fuel duty cut and said he was pleased to see the Government commit £100m for new science facilities including the Norwich Research Park for environmental and life sciences.
"Overall, this is a budget that speaks much about supporting private sector growth across the UK," he added. "This is essential, but it is important that the Government ensures its focus extends beyond urban and incorporated businesses, and enables rural businesses to contribute to this drive for growth."
He praised an increase in the climate change levy discount for Climate Change Agreements participants from 65 to 80 per cent from April 2013.
"This reversal of the previous administration’s announcement will be good news so long as the pig, poultry and horticulture sectors, which have worked hard to reduce their emissions, can continue to benefit from it," said Kendall.
"We are encouraged by the Chancellor’s support for the prioritisation of growth and the presumption in favour of sustainable development in planning decisions. It is now vital that this is backed by an assurance that strategically vital industries, such as food production, will all be recognised in planning priorities."
Published: 28/03/2011
Source: http://hortweek.com/channel/Turf/article/1061670/Budget-2011-government-support-rural-businesses-say-NFU/
