Back British Farming Day has become an established event on the NFU calendar, with this year seeing an increased amount of activity both in Westminster and across the country. The day provides an opportunity to celebrate all that we do as farmers in terms of food production, environmental stewardship and delivery for wider society, as well as an opportunity to raise current challenges with politicians and decision makers.
On Wednesday 9 September, North Riding and Durham County Chair Clare Wise and I attended the NFU’s Back British Farming Day parliamentary reception in Westminster. We met with over 100 MPs and Lords, including many from our county and region. Alongside the activity in Westminster there was a huge amount of county activity replicated across the country and delivered by County Advisers and members.
On Monday 5 October, we celebrated the importance of food and farming in Durham as part of an event marking Back British Farming Day. We met with Durham County Council to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in the region. The councillors heard about the work of local farmers first-hand, and we explored how we can continue working together to support a thriving rural economy.
The recent opening of SFI 2026 is one example of the real pressures we’re all feeling. On the day Window 2 opened, I like many found myself juggling stockwork, cereal drilling and dealing with an inconveniently timed equipment breakdown, while simultaneously attempting to navigate an application system that demands time and concentration. The system snags and budget countdown only intensified that pressure. For those who didn’t manage to get into the scheme, the disappointment and frustration is immense. After months of preparation and expectation, hitting barriers at the final moment has added to an already heavy load. I can assure members we are pushing at all levels for a better understanding of the budget, process and for clarity going forward. Locally, I would encourage members who missed out or were affected by the application process to discuss issues and concerns with their MP. We are already talking to many of them, but it is good that they understand first-hand the impact for their constituents.
Join us and fellow members at our county AGM on 10 December, 12.30pm at Bannatyne Hotel, Southend Ave, Darlington, DL3 7HZ for an afternoon of discussion, networking and insight into the key issues affecting farm businesses across North Riding and Durham. The AGM will provide an opportunity to hear about the work being carried out on your behalf, discuss local priorities and contribute to the future direction of the NFU in our county.
Guest speaker NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins will share his views and experiences on his first nine months in office, offering valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture. We will also have an additional guest speaker, NFU Head of External Affairs, Scott Pepe. If you want to know what's really happening in Westminster Scott Pepe is at the sharp end of the NFU's political engagement, working daily with MPs, ministers and officials to champion British farming. Join us for an insightful update on the latest developments in Government and hear more about how the NFU is fighting for members' interests at the highest levels.
To book your place at the AGM, call 02476 939401 or email [email protected]
Your NFU. Your county. Your voice. We look forward to seeing you there.