NFU helps showcase British food and farming at historic ploughing match
Photograph: Frans de Boer
British food, farming and community were in the spotlight at a popular ploughing match and agricultural show in West Sussex.
The West Grinstead and District Ploughing Match and Agricultural Show took place on Saturday, 19 September.
Held for more than 150 years, the event continues to attract large crowds, with more than 4,000 people attending this year’s show.
NFU West Sussex Chair Frans de Boer, who farms near Steyning, said: “The event was a fantastic celebration of British food and farming.
“We had a very positive day with a great turnout of NFU members.”
“It was an exceptionally happy day during what is a very challenging and difficult time in the farming industry.”
NFU Regional Board Chair for the East of England Caroline Harriott
Showcasing British food and farming
Hosted by Fairoak Farm and Buncton Manor Farm, the show featured ploughing competitions and a wide range of family-friendly activities.
The best of British produce was on display through a Union Jack food exhibit donated by Westons Farm Shop.
The NFU held a competition where members of the public were presented with a shopping basket and asked to work out which food items they thought were grown in the UK and which were from overseas.
Frans said: “This was a fun way of highlighting the importance of national food security and the challenges and issues our farmers and growers are facing.
“It went down well with the public and we had some very positive engagement.”
See the day in photos
Photographs: Frans de Boer
Discussions with local representatives
NFU members met with West Sussex County Councillor Yvonne Gravely, who is cabinet member for economy and skills.
They discussed issues including devolution and the need for more support for small- and medium-sized abattoirs.
The NFU welcomed representatives from the FCN (Farming Community Network) to its stand and discussed the importance of promoting mental health.
Award-winning NFU stand
The stand run jointly by the NFU and NFU Mutual was awarded a trophy for best trade stand.
NFU Regional Board Chair for the East of England Caroline Harriott said: “It was an exceptionally happy day during what is a very challenging and difficult time in the farming industry.
“There was a big focus on education and helping the public to understand more about British food and farming.
“It was wonderful to see farmers, businesses, charities and the public all coming together to celebrate our great industry.
“Huge credit goes to all of the volunteers and the match committee who worked behind the scenes to make this event such a huge success.”
