The importance of domestic food production and farming’s significant contributions to the country will be showcased by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) with a strong presence at this year’s political party conferences.
The NFU has a stand in the secure zones at both the Labour Party conference in Liverpool and the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.
NFU president Minette Batters said:
“As Britain’s farmers continue to face significant challenges, including rising energy and fertiliser costs, as well as recovering from the ongoing drought, there has never been a more vital time to highlight the importance of domestic food security and just how much farming delivers for the nation.
“As well as producing sustainable climate-friendly food and looking after our iconic countryside, the British food and farming sector contributes more than £120 billion to the UK economy and provides jobs for four million people.
“Attending the political party conferences gives the NFU a valuable opportunity to showcase British farming and engage with MPs, Peers, councillors and party members.
“It’s crucial that politicians from all parties recognise the value of British agriculture and what more we can do with the right policies in place. I hope to see all of them pledge their support for the industry and back British farming.”
NFU on rural crime
NFU Mutual has reported the cost of rural crime in County Durham fell by almost 30% in 2021 to £260,000.
As was the case in 2021, County Durham remains one of the few forces nationally to see a reduction in rural crime claims of agricultural machinery and livestock thefts.
However, NFU Mutual warns the situation nationally could worsen over the next 12 months with a 40% increase in rural theft reported across the UK in the first three months of this year.
County Durham and Darlington police and crime commissioner, Joy Allen, has welcomed a new report that shows the county is making rapid progress in its fight against rural crime.
