Farming Minister questioned by NFU Council following ‘disappointing’ Budget

02 November 2026

| 2 minute read

NFU President Tom Bradshaw and NFU Council held Farming Minister Stephen Morgan to account following the ‘disappointing’ Autumn Budget. Find out what was said.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw pressed Stephen Morgan to be a champion of British farming, while Council members highlighted the key issues affecting farm businesses across the regions.

Tom stressed the need for practical action and a sense of urgency as your NFU representatives demanded answers from the Minister on the “issues that matter to you”, including financial support following the Budget, SFI, supply chain fairness, input costs, animal disease, uplands and organics.

Facing huge challenges

Council members and officeholders alike gave voice to members facing huge challenges and on the brink of giving up with a receptive Farming Minister.

The Minister said he would not only work with his officials to look at members’ concerns but raise these issues and the importance of food production with other government departments such as the Treasury and the Home Office. 

Stephen was also clear about the need for a partnership approach to providing solutions for a profitable and productive farming industry.

The NFU appreciated the Minister’s time and will continue to work closely with the team at Defra to secure a better future for farming.

Farming Minister Stephen Morgan addressing NFU Council beside NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Farming Minister Stephen Morgan addressing NFU Council beside NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Farming Minister Stephen Morgan listening to NFU Livestock Board Chair Clare Wise
Farming Minister Stephen Morgan listening to NFU Livestock Board Chair Clare Wise
(L-R) NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt, Deputy President Paul Tompkins, President Tom Bradshaw and Farming Minister Stephen Morgan
(L-R) NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt, Deputy President Paul Tompkins, President Tom Bradshaw and Farming Minister Stephen Morgan
Stephen heard from representatives across the sectors and regions, including NFU Midlands Regional Board Chair Jane Bassett
Stephen heard from representatives across the sectors and regions, including NFU Midlands Regional Board Chair Jane Bassett

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This page was first published on 02 November 2026.

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