Paul Tompkins spoke to hundreds of farmers and growers at the Staffordshire County Show on 27 May, touring the livestock lines, meeting farmers across the site and speaking at a packed evening reception.
He told farmers and industry representatives in the NFU and NFU Mutual marquee that government and MPs spoke about “food security being national security” but firm commitments were needed to match the ambition of family farms.
Mr Tompkins said there were many challenges currently but he remained optimistic about the future and the industry’s ability to embrace and adopt innovation and continue to grow high quality food while caring for the countryside.
He said: “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the farming calendar is shifting as weather patterns change and become more extreme, given the flooding and drought we have seen in recent years.
“We try and face up to the challenges there are but we need that backing from Government to help us remain resilient to the pressures on our businesses, be it the weather, market shocks or other barriers to food production.
“These barriers must be broken down. “It is so frustrating when I hear politicians talk about the importance of growing food here in the UK when I have stood on farms to see projects stalled for many reasons, including planning constraints and limited access to water.
“There are real businesses with real opportunities but also real constraints and it points to a system that is not delivering for them.”
Paul Tompkins
“Further along the supply chain the imbalance continues and we know it is farmers who shoulder the business and financial risks of growing food for the nation.”
Concern - but real reason for optimism
He spoke of on-going price pressure, including the impact on fuel and fertiliser due to the Iran conflict, uncertainty over agri-environment schemes and other issues, but said there was great innovation and use of science in the industry helping farmers deliver high quality, nutritious produce.
“While I paint a picture of concern there is real reason for optimism,” he said.
“The capability to grow and adapt is there and I see some really exciting things across science, technology and farming practices, where farmers are changing and using new tools to improve food growth and resilience on their farms.
“The science is happening now but there are still frustrations on the ability to adopt some of the new research and technology on farm and the industry needs to see political intent become reality.
“If food security is going to be a priority it does need reflecting across the whole of government.”
Encouraging response to challenges
He added that domestic food production was not some nostalgic ideal with farmers still producing food in ways they did in the last century.
“This is about being productive and recognition of us as food producers, integral to the rural economy,” he said.
“I must say it is encouraging to see farmers responding to the challenges and it does bring me confidence when farmers and growers say they will find a way through this.
“I think it is also important and encouraging that we have enthusiastic younger farmers coming through and we can take something from that inspiration and the way they want to drive the industry forward too.”
Farmers central to mission
Members heard that he and the NFU would continue to go back to Parliament and Westminster and work to safeguard farm businesses.
“If they are going to turn that food security is national security slogan into something meaningful then farmers need to be central to that mission, not on the periphery,” he added.
“Backing British farmers is going to mean fairer rules, clearer priorities and a genuine commitment to what we do.
“I know farmers have a commitment to it already and are doing it every day at home to put food on our tables and manage the countryside, but the questions I will take back to Westminster are about seeking a commitment from government that they are going to match it.”