In her speech today at the Oxford Farming Conference Liz Truss announced, subject to parliamentary approval, that these permissions for maintenance of ditches up to 1.5km long would be granted following successful maintenance pilots. The NFU looks forward to seeing more detail on these proposals.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “The NFU has pressed Defra and the Environment Agency to enable farmers to undertake minor works for many years. But, as the Secretary of State announces this, we are stressing that quick reactions and flexible decision-making must be part of these permissions.

“We must see more attention given to other policies such as an increase in funding for flood maintenance activities, sustainable drainage and see a higher value placed on farmland. Work on this must surpass the frenzy of media attention around the devastation we are seeing in the northern parts of England and Wales at the moment.

“I am pleased that Ms Truss spoke about the need for resilient farm businesses today – I’d like to see more firm announcements on flood prevention to ensure government has a policy on this which is fit for purpose. We know society values our rivers as a national asset and they want to see more regular maintenance.”

Mr Raymond added: “Despite her enthusiasm for UK agriculture, I am surprised that Liz Truss did not cover the impacts of the introduction of a national living wage. Employment is the single biggest cost for many horticultural businesses and this policy would make UK produce simply uncompetitive.”

Other issues Liz Truss addressed in her speech were the ‘re-making of Defra’ and increased funding in animal and plant health.

Mr Raymond continued: “Integration and joined up approaches with its agencies is a necessity, particularly given the savings Defra has to make. But it shouldn’t stop there – Defra has to work better with other government departments if agriculture is to realise its potential.

“Farmers must feel the effects of a more co-ordinated approach on better regulation, delivery and messaging. Issues like taxation, the introduction of the national living wage, and digital infrastructure all shape the business environment for NFU members.”

As the Secretary of State announces the investment of £65million into new centres for livestock, crop health and precision engineering, Meurig Raymond added: “In animal and plant health we have challenges in the reduced chemistry available for plant protection and better diagnostics and pharmaceutical solutions, respectively.

“This funding is very welcome and we hope this will give a much-needed boost to research and development in agri-tech. We are eagerly awaiting more specifics on this funding as it’s such a vital part of UK agriculture.”