Farmers from across the county from Nuneaton to Stratford were at an event outside the council offices in Atherstone to meet representatives from the district and county council alongside town residents.
A further event was also held in Warwick where farmers again met shoppers and councillors with a stand outside Market Place by the council offices.
Two great events
Nick Watts, NFU county adviser, said: “With concerns about our self-sufficiency, food security, volatile markets, extreme weather, planning barriers and others we also used the day to launch the NFU’s Ready to Grow report, which offers a clear alternative and a route away from a growing food security crisis.”
“The engagement with councillors including George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough, was useful and local decision makers from all parties seemed engaged on farming issues and food – they were very passionate about it.
“We will keep having those conversations as being at the table puts us in a much better position to drive positive change to help our family farms.”
“We had two great events with a fabulous turnout from district and county councillors and it remains so important to speak to politicians locally and nationally about what we do, the challenges and barriers to growth.”
NFU Warwickshire County Adviser Nick Watts
At Atherstone there was produce on display from county producers, including Poplars Farm, who provided fruit and vegetables, products from those in the dairy sector including cheesemakers.
Mr Watts said there was superb engagement from shoppers, which made it worthwhile all around.
Real interest
“There was some real interest in where their food comes from and that the produce is available right on people’s doorsteps,” he added.
“We were very well received and I would like to thank people for their continues support of Warwickshire farms.”
Back British Farming Day on September 9 was a great springboard to help put farming and growing firmly under the spotlight and for NFU members to speak to the public, politicians and councillors about farming food and the countryside.
Food security is national security
Arable farmer and Warwickshire NFU Council delegate Helen Fisher, who represents county farmers, said: “We've had some really difficult times this year, the worst drought in 50 years and we've had soaring costs for inputs like fuel, fertiliser and energy off the back of the war in Iran.
“This has been a very critical year and events with local councillors allowed us to make the case for county farms and highlight what they deliver for our tables, to the economy, communities and countryside.
“Food security is national security and we were keen to emphasise that and look at ways forward to build business confidence and resilience and ultimately investment and growth.
“I’d like to thank those councillors who attended and all of the shoppers we met to discuss food, farming and what happens over the hedgerow to put food on people’s plates and deliver for the countryside.”