Bringing together nine cheeses from each of England’s regions and Wales and pairing them with a range of British beers, we gathered over 70 MPs, Lords and industry representatives to taste our pairings, and meet the producers and farmers. By focusing on the whole supply chain, moving from parlour to plate and grain to glass, we highlighted the importance of British agriculture in creating these iconic foods, which are enjoyed both at home and around the world.
MPs also had the chance to speak to the key members of that supply chain, including four of the cheese producers, arable farmers who grow the malting barley and brewers from the beer industry. With industry representatives from across England and Wales, MPs were able to meet their local farmer or cheesemaker and try a product made right on their doorstep. This gave both parties the opportunity to discuss key issues which face the industry, from labour to TB, productivity and volatility, in a relaxed and social atmosphere. We also produced two infographics giving sector statistics and key industry asks, which MPs could take away with them.
Guy Smith, NFU Vice-President, spoke alongside Mike Wood MP, APPG for Beer Chair, and both emphasised the importance of these products and the high standards which the whole supply chain produces them to. Guy also noted that while we enjoyed the social aspect of the evening, we must remember the challenges facing the industry, particularly in this period of political change.
The evening was a real success, and a great opportunity to bring together a wide demographic of farmers, industry representatives and politicians to enjoy the wonderful cheese and beer our farmers help to produce. Many thanks to our generous beer and cheese suppliers, who ensured that there was no shortage of refreshments, and there were soon healthy debates about which pairing was the best, with MPs heartily defending their region. Already there are calls for the next event, and personally I can’t wait to see which other combinations we can come up with to demonstrate the importance of British farming!