Tom set out some of the challenges and opportunities facing farming during an afternoon reception for NFU and Suffolk YFC members on the first day of the show.
He told a packed marquee that the NFU was working across a huge range of policy areas, including highlighting the impacts of the war in Iran, seeking measures to improve water security and calling for reform of planning rules.
“For a lot of members, the planning system is a blocking policy rather than an enabling policy,” he said.
“If we are to take handbrake off domestic food production, and build resilience within our industry, we have to get the planning system functioning.”
He added: “This is a time of huge global instability and changing climate. Yes, it’s going to create its challenges but also bring opportunities for the UK.
“Those 70 million people living on an island need a thriving, resilient food system and that’s where I believe the opportunity is for every one of us here today.
“It’s going to be difficult, we’re going to have to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in, but I do believe there will be a political opportunity where a government decides that food production, a resilient food system and food security is really important for this country’s future.”
The NFU and NFU Mutual marquee was busy on both days of the show. As well as the NFU President, members had the chance to talk to new Director General Sophie Throup, Regional Director Dr Zoe Leach, NFU Senior Adviser Richard Wordsworth and other NFU representatives.
They could also enjoy a two-course lunch with locally-sourced produce.
There was an informal sugar hour with NFU Sugar Board Chair Kit Papworth, and the NFU hosted Defra officials to discuss a range of topics including SFI, landscape recovery, higher tier and capital grants
It was a busy two days for media coverage as well, including ITV Anglia interviewing Tom Bradshaw, Suffolk member Jon Watt, Suffolk Coastal Chair Ryan McCormack and Suffolk member Katharine Salisbury.
Ryan and Jon were also interviewed by BBC Radio Suffolk, along with County Chair Tim Pratt and Suffolk Council Representative George Gittus.