In his letter, the NFU President reiterated the union's complete opposition to the Food Standard Agency proposals. In addition, he expressed deep concerns about the lack of detail in the impact assessment on cost savings and the assumed split of the costs between farmers and the meat trade.

Mr Kendall said the plans should be put on hold while the FSA works with the industry to review the delivery of meat inspections to identify where further efficiencies can be made.

That process should also look at alternative delivery models, the NFU President wrote. He finished the letter: "I urge you to work with ministerial colleagues to intervene in order to avoid the erosion of competitiveness and sustainability in the meat and livestock industry that would occur should the FSA’s proposals be implemented as they are."

NFU members can read the letter, and a formal response to the FSA's impact assessment (requires log in).