It’s been another busy few weeks for the NFU, with Back British Farming Day on 9 September the undoubted highlight.
We used the 11th Back British Farming Day to call for ambitious homegrown food targets. Our Ready to Grow report revealed that the UK’s self-sufficiency in 10 out of 11 everyday foods, such as wheat, vegetables, beef, poultry meat and eggs has fallen in the past 30 years.
At the same time, food import volumes are up 70% while export volumes have stalled.
It was great to see Essex MPs Bernard Jenkin and Bayo Alaba attending our Westminster breakfast reception, where the report was launched and they had the chance to talk to Regional Director Zoe Leach and Regional Board Chair Caroline Harriott.
Thanks also to the members who promoted Back British Farming Day at Orsett Show and in the media.
With harvest now well behind us, branch, county and regional meetings are getting underway.
A reminder that the Essex County Harvest Service takes place at Chelmsford Cathedral on 27 September at 3.30pm. Everyone is welcome to the service and for refreshments afterwards.
The NFU Essex annual general meeting is on 26 November, 6.30pm, at the Waltham Barns at Little Channels, more details here.
This will be your opportunity to hear from NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins and to find out how the NFU is working for you. There will be a hot buffet on arrival, before the main meeting.
We hope to see you there.