THREE days of tough agricultural wages negotiations have resulted in a settlement which the NFU has described as fair for all parties.

The NFU secured a 15-month package, starting in July, which includes the abolition of the starter rate and a new harvest worker category available for 30 weeks a year.

The cost of the deal is estimated at £88m over 15 months or £70m over 12 months. Under the agreement, there will also be an extra day's holiday.

NFU employment and education chairman Bob Fiddaman said: "We think the deal takes the industry forward and is a fair outcome for all parties.

"We are particularly pleased with the addition of the harvest worker category which will be of major benefit to the horticulture sector."

Substantial changes were made to the make-up of the Agricultural Wages Board at the end of last year, including the appointment of two new independent panel members, one of whom was appointed as chairman.