There has never been a more important time to back British farming given the challenges of producing food as prices for energy and fertiliser have and continue to increase significantly.
The NFU has a stand in the secure zones at both the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool and the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. Delegates will be able to learn how British farmers are keeping the nation fed with sustainable, climate friendly food, all while protecting and enhancing our iconic countryside, and inspiring the next generation by supporting STEM learning in schools via a variety of farming-based projects.
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.”
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Notes to editor:
- The NFU Labour Party Conference fringe event, Monday 26 September, 6.30pm, Grace Suite 2, Hilton Hotel, Liverpool, L1 8LW (outside secure zone).
- The panel includes NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw and Shadow Defra Secretary, Jim McMahon, MP, chaired by journalist Polly Toynbee, discussing Labour’s vision for farming and food security.
- The NFU Conservative Party Conference fringe event, Monday 3 October, 6.30pm, The Studio, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP (outside secure zone).
- The panel includes NFU President Minette Batters and EFRA Select Committee Chair, Robert Goodwill, MP, chaired by The Times columnist Alice Thomson, discussing the Conservative Party’s vision for farming and food security.
- NFU Vice President David Exwood, pictured above, on the NFU stand in Liverpool talking to Labour MP Emily Thornberry. For images, please contact the NFU press office.