Chairman's welcome

The year saw a General Election and the creation of the
first coalition government in many years.Ahead of the
vote,AIC lobbied for agriculture and the supply chain on
several specific issues.Therefore, it gave us great pleasure
to hear our new Minister of Food and Farming, Jim Paice,
speaking at AIC's Agribusiness conference in November 2010
and explaining how in tune the new coalition government is
with our Policy document.

This speech, just six months into the new administration,
reflects the increasing attention being paid to AIC's views.To
put it simply, nowadays we are no longer an organisation that
knocks on doors along the corridors of power, but one that
is welcomed and whose views are respected and sought out.
This is equally true in Holyrood,where AIC Scotland too has
made great strides in building relationships.

There is, however, always more that must be done. Since
becoming Chairman of AIC I have set our organisation two
additional specific objectives. First,we need to build stronger
links with Europe at Commission and Parliamentary level. It
is here that so much of the legislation that affects the UK
agricultural supply industry is created and we need a strong
voice early in the process to represent our interests. Second,
we need to become more visible in the broader foodchain.

The food industry increasingly recognises that farm inputs
are a vital part of being able to provide a ready supply of
wholesome food.

That we can tackle these new initiatives reflects all the work
that has gone on since AIC's formation and I wish to pay
tribute to my predecessor,DavidYiend, for his contribution
to the development of our confederation. I would also take
the opportunity to thank those business leaders from our
industry who have given of their time and expertise to our
Board and Strategy Group.They have been invaluable in
helping the AIC team establish clear priorities and focus
scarce resources on the key issues that affect our members.

Finally, I particularly wish to thank David Caffall and his team
at Peterborough. Every year the industry faces new challenges
and issues that they take in their stride while still undertaking
the day-to-day work that is the bedrock of adding value to our
members.Their tremendous commitment, enthusiasm and
expertise ensures that AIC is well placed for the future.

David Hutchinson
Chairman AIC