THE National Farmers' Union has been thanked for its input into the debate on the future of food and farming.

Margaret Beckett, Defra Secretary of State, told the NFU annual conference that its input into the Curry Commission report and the Government's strategy for sustainable food and farming was "informed and invaluable".

"The strategy commits both Government and industry to further action to achieve our shared vision of a sustainable, prosperous, world class farming and food sector," she said.

Mrs Beckett described the strategy as a landmark in the relationship between Government and industry. "Our task now is to work in partnership to deliver the strategy; to deliver - in partnership - a farming industry that prospers through responding to market signals and consumer needs.

"To deliver - in partnership - vibrant and diverse rural communities. To deliver - in partnership - higher environmental standards and a countryside that all can enjoy," she said.

During her speech, Mrs Beckett announced an extra £2.5m for the Farm Business Advice Service, which helps farmers increase profitability and explore opportunities for diversification.

The new money means that a further 3,000 farmers will be able to take up the service, and takes the total budget this year to £5m.

Mrs Beckett's speech also addressed some of the farming industry's specific concerns, including:

* welcoming European Commission proposals for CAP reform, but expressing her determination to get a fair deal for the UK;

* announcing the development of a bovine TB strategy for Great Britain this year;

* a commitment to develop priorities for sustainable food procurement across the public sector;

* undertaking to work with the industry to develop better and smarter approaches to regulation.

Ben Gill, NFU president, told the conference that the mid-term CAP review was just one of several topics putting pressure for change on British farmers.

The imminent enlargement of the EU; World Trade Organisation talks and globalisation were other issues the industry had to face up to.

One key objective had to be sustainable farming based on profitability.

"There are many things that Government, the regulators and the rest of the food chain can do to help in this quest," he said. "We expect the Government to deliver its pledges in the sustainable food and farming strategy for better regulation and for a more holistic approach, but there is also much that we as farmers can and must do to help ourselves. Only through profitability can we have a future.