From interviews on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, to BBC Breakfast and Times Radio, catch up on where the NFU and its members have featured this week.
“Today the phrase ‘food security is national security’ feels nothing but a hollow promise.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw’s reaction to the Budget quoted in The Telegraph
Autumn Budget
NFU President Tom Bradshaw led the NFU’s response to the government’s Budget.
He was quoted in The Telegraph saying that farmers and growers felt “abandoned” and that the phrase “food security is national security” now felt like “nothing but a hollow promise”.
Tom also joined Farmers Weekly’s emergency podcast, while NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins appeared on the Farmers Guardian Budget webinar to discuss what the announcements mean for farm businesses.
The NFU’s reaction was also featured by the Express and BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today.
For all of our work on the Budget in one place, visit: NFU’s road to the Budget 2026 – timeline of our work
UK-EU SPS deal
Reports of agreement of a draft UK-EU SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal for agri-food generated widespread coverage this week.
Tom Bradshaw spoke to Times Radio and Sky News about what closer alignment could mean for farming and food production.
He was also quoted by The Telegraph on the importance of retaining access to plant protection products.
NFU figures showing the decline in UK food exports to the EU since Brexit were referenced by The Guardian, BBC News at Six, the Today programme and GB News.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw on the impact of UK-EU realignment on farmers.
NFU Dairy Board member Max Sealy speaking about milk prices.
Fly-tipping and fireworks
The NFU has also drawn national attention to some of the challenges affecting rural communities and farming businesses.
NFU members Will Dickinson and Olly Harrison appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the consequences of fly-tipping for farmers and growers.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt spoke to LBC about proposed changes to fireworks legislation and the need to protect livestock and rural businesses.
Dairy prices
NFU Dairy Board member Max Sealy joined BBC Radio 4’s Today programme following Freshways’ announcement of a seven pence cut to its base milk price.
He explained the cash flow pressures caused by milk price volatility and the wider challenges facing dairy farm businesses.
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