Our work behind the scenes ensures the voices of farmers and growers are heard loud and clear by the public, politicians and key decision-makers.
Catch up on where you, our members, have featured in the news, where we've been, what we've said and how the media is helping push farming up the agenda.
You can also keep up to date with all of our activity by following us on X (formerly Twitter) @NFUPress.
Quote of the week
"We have to take control of how we’re going to produce our food here and make sure that we’ve got a level playing field to produce on – whoever we’re trading with, whether that be the EU or the US – it is absolutely paramount."
NFU President Tom Bradshaw on Times Radio discussing the vital need for imported food to meet the UK's high animal welfare standards
The NFU’s family farm tax campaign
Media coverage on the government’s decision to raise the family farm tax threshold from £1 to £2.5 million continued this week, with GB News online covering Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s comment that he adjusted the threshold after listening to NFU President Tom Bradshaw’s concerns.
In The Sunday Times, Deputy Political Editor Harry Yorke noted Tom’s meeting with the Prime Minister days before the announcement, as he explored why the government delayed amending the thresholds.
One of the UK’s top political podcasts, Politics at Sam and Anne’s (8:50), covered the changes to the family farm tax and the campaign around it in two consecutive episodes. The presenters, journalists from Politico and Sky News, discussed how the pressure from backbench Labour MPs forced the climbdown from government.
Meanwhile, The Times and The Sun reported that, despite the change in policy, more than 6,000 agriculture businesses have closed since the Chancellor’s 2024 Budget. NFU President David Exwood was quoted as stating that this was reflective of the lack of confidence in the industry.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw on Times Radio
NFU Member Luke Abblitt on the Today programme
Imported food must match UK standards
Tom spoke to Alexis Conran on Times Radio (39:40) over the new year, stressing the need for imported food to meet the same high welfare and hygiene standards as UK produce. His comments follow reports of renewed pressure from the White House for further concessions in the UK-US trade deal.
The NFU has also raised concerns about rising Australian beef imports. Tom discussed the issue in his interview with Times Radio, while NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton warned of the impact on British livestock producers in the Daily Telegraph.
A warm welcome to our new Director General
The Grocer, Farmers Weekly, Farmers Guardian, Farming UK and more announced the appointment of the NFU’s new Director General Sophie Throup, who will succeed Terry Jones when he steps down at the end of April.
Members in the spotlight
Fenland farmer and NFU member Luke Abblitt was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme (0:40 & 1:53) discussing what farming in the Fens is like.
While Farming Today (0:57) visited Herefordshire member Ben Andrews, who explained how he’s building resilience into his farm business and avoiding repeat flooding.
And finally...
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos is quoted in Farmers Weekly, welcoming the latest push to upgrade mobile phone masts but stressing the importance of consulting and compensating those farmers who host them.
The Guardian reported on the impact of hare coursing on Wiltshire farmers, with the RSPCA’s Head of Public Affairs, David Bowles, stating Wiltshire and Lincolnshire police are working closely with the NFU and other organisations to tackle hare coursing.
Tell your story
If you've been affected by any of the issues covered in the news this week and want to share your story, contact our press and editorial teams.
Email: [email protected]
Or contact our press team below:
Lucy Wood
NFU Press Officer