Today, September 11, marks national ‘Back British Farming Day’ and the NFU is using the occasion to promote British agricultural interests in Westminster.
The NFU is urging all stakeholders involved in the agri-sector, including consumers, politicians, retailers, food processors and manufacturers, to celebrate the significant contribution of farming to the British economy.
Speaking ahead of the NFU’s reception for MPs in parliament, NFU President Tom Bradshaw called on the government to increase the agriculture budget to £5.6 billion, which would recognise the true value of UK food security.
“British farmers and growers are proud to produce the raw ingredients that underpin our essential food and drink sector, the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth a huge £148 billion, and employing more than four million people.
“This budget is essential in giving Britain’s farmers and growers the confidence they desperately need to invest for the future and deliver on our joint ambitions on producing more sustainable, affordable homegrown food while creating more jobs and delivering for nature, energy security and climate-friendly farming.
“On this Back British Farming Day, we are at a tipping point, so we call on government, all MPs, to also show their unstinted support,” Bradshaw said.
During his opening address to parliament, he appealed to NFU’s members to write to their local MP to lobby for the proposed increase to the agriculture budget by driving home the significance of the potential investment to the sector.
A red Massey Ferguson tractor was brought into Old Palace Yard outside of parliament to raise further awareness of the day’s events as NFU members and colleagues lined up to greet MPs.
Back British Farming Day
Food security and farming was highlighted during Prime Minister’s Questions when Keir Starmer fielded questions from opposition leader, Rishi Sunak, including the one pertaining to the adoption of NFU’s proposal which would enshrine a national food security target in law.
“Food security is really important I’m glad he raised this. We have talked to the NFU about this and rural issues are really important and that’s what we fought the election on and why we have a lot of rural constituencies sitting behind us now.
“We will continue to talk to the NFU and we do take food security very seriously,” the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, thousands of schoolchildren across the South East and Midlands have engaged in farming themed activities to commemorate Back British Farming Day.
Many of these events, which consisted of Great British Bake-Off inspired carrot cake competitions, talks on the origins of food, toy tractor displays and posters praising local ‘farming heroes’ were organised in collaboration with school catering company, Accent Catering.
“We have always been passionate about providing children with fresh, local, produce and helping children to understand where their food comes from, so we contacted the NFU in December to see how we can work together and we are now working in partnership.
“We are helping children in inner city schools to grow their own vegetables and we plan to work with the NFU to bring some farmers into schools to give talks,” said food and engagement manager at Accent Catering, Graham Ogden.
