The NFU kicked off its member meetings this week – the first of 50 taking place up and down the country as part of one of the largest consultations in our 108-year history.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We are expecting thousands of our members to engage with us during the consultation. Despite it being a busy time for farmers I'm pleased hundreds have already turned out, showing that we're right to hold this consultation now. It really shows that there is an appetite from NFU members to help shape the future of their great industry.
“It is absolutely crucial that our members have their say – and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend one of our meetings between now and the middle of September. At the same time, I would ask the younger generation to also take advantage of our free membership offer in conjunction with the YFC, as they can play a very important part in our ongoing work.
“During our meetings, we’ve already covered a wide variety of topics, such as future trade policy, domestic agricultural policy and access to labour. These have been some of the big issues central to the policy framework farming needs for a certain future.
“Ultimately, what we need from this far-reaching exercise, is to provide a strong and united voice for the food and farming industry, to ensure that agriculture is seen as strategically and politically important in all future trade negotiations. These talks are just the beginning and I, along with the rest of the officeholder team, am looking forward to the days and weeks ahead.”
The consultation period will end on 14 September 2016 – the day the NFU will hold Back British Farming Day to meet with MPs and talk about the dynamic and exciting future for British farming.