The NFU’s Back British Farming Day is an annual event which celebrates the UK’s vibrant farming industry, and which encourages consumers to purchase UK grown produce. It was held this year on September 9th.
MPs were provided with Back British Farming wool and wheatsheaf pin badges to display their support for farmers and the agricultural sector.
Commenting, Sir Lindsay said: “We are so grateful to British farmers for everything they have done during the pandemic to ensure we have food on our table.
“British farming really does matter to this country - and there are no better farmers than Lancashire farmers.
“The taste of Lancashire really does come through the farming industry - and we owe our farmers a debt of thanks for the work that they do.”
Adding his support, Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “Events like Back British Farming Day provide a perfect opportunity both to thank farmers for their hard work in recent months in ensuring that food continued to make it to plates during Covid-19, but also to highlight the foundational role that farming plays in areas of countryside.
“I recently visited a dairy farm in Samlesbury to discuss how the industry was coping with the disruption caused by Covid-19. Farmers were rightly identified as key workers during the Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to those farmers in my constituency, Lancashire, and the wider food supply chain, we were able to ensure supermarket shelves were kept stocked and the nation was fed during this difficult time. I am very grateful for all that they have done and continue to do.
“I would encourage fellow MPs and members of the public to get behind this important campaign and to Back British Farming.”
The UK food and farming industry is worth more than £120 billion to the national economy and employs more than 4 million people. Furthermore, it is responsible for managing over 70% of total land in the UK, demonstrating the importance of the industry to the makeup of the nation.
NFU North West Regional Director, David Hall, said: “I’m delighted that The Speaker, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, and Conservative MP for the Ribble Valley Nigel Evans have thanked the regions’ food producers on Back British Farming Day.
Every day of the year our farmers produce food to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards in the world and deserve support. Both Sir Lindsay and Nigel have a proven track record of caring about the crucial agricultural businesses within their respective Lancashire constituencies.
I know NFU farmer member John Alpe of New Laund Farm at Whitewell near Clitheroe organises meetings for Mr Evans with local farmers, so that he truly understands the pressures over the farm gate. Likewise, Sir Lindsay keeps in regular contact with our NFU Chorley office and is always willing to visit farms in his patch.
We need this support more now than ever before as we enter a pivotal time for the future of farming and the food on our plates”.