From speaking about the ongoing impact of the war in the Middle East on farmers and growers, to how councils can support British agriculture following local elections, check out where the NFU has featured in the news this week.
“For too long we have taken food production for granted.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live
Conflict in the Middle East
The war in Iran and its impacts on global oil and gas markets continues to be widely reported in the media.
The NFU has continued to speak out about how the conflict is impacting life on farm in the UK.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw has been interviewed by the Metro in an article about the Government facing calls to help tackle rising food prices. Tom said farmers and growers are facing “an immediate cash flow impact” due to rising costs of fuel, energy and fertiliser.
Tom has been further quoted on the issue by:
Experiences of some NFU members who have faced longer wait times for fertiliser deliveries have also been highlighted by the Daily Mail.
Tom Bradshaw talks Middle East war on BBC Radio 5 Live
Paul Tompkins on Environmental Permitting
Local elections
Local elections dominated national news coverage last week. The Guardian highlighted calls from the NFU for local authorities to provide support on issues like food procurement, planning and rural crime.
Tom Bradshaw was quoted speaking about the challenges farmers and growers currently face, saying confidence in the sector was “extremely low”.
Glyphosate
There has been some continued media coverage this week on the use of glyphosate, following calls from campaigners to ban its use as a pre-harvest desiccant.
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins was quoted by BBC News Online explaining the importance of glyphosate-based weedkillers as a key tool for farmers.
Our position on its use has also been outlined on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio World Service.
In other news
In other news, NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins has been interviewed on the latest episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast (12:13) about a government consultation on potential plans to extend Environmental Permitting Regulations to the dairy and beef sectors.
And finally, NFU Livestock Board Vice-chair Clare Wise has urged dog owners to pick up their pet’s faeces on fields in an interview with BBC News Online.
Clare warned of the “devastating” impact it can have on livestock if ingested and the financial blow to farmers.
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.
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