The breakfast reception was hosted by NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos who was joined by chair of the Efra Committee Alistair Carmichael MP and Rural Affairs spokesman Tim Farron MP, who are both known for their championing of British farming.
More than 150 conference delegates, including 15 MPs, attended to hear about the need for an open and honest conversation about British food security, setting out why it has never mattered as much as it does today.
NFU Vice-president Rachal Hallos's speech set out the opportunities the Liberal Democrats have to make changes, both locally in terms of procurement powers and nationally around supportive food policies. She also thanked Liberal Democrat MPs for opposing the proposed inheritance tax changes, especially the work of the Efra committee, chaired by Alistair Carmichael, in getting cross-party support.
Both Alistair Carmichael and Tim Farron talked passionately about their support for British farming and backing family farms, and reiterated the importance of food security and the production of food as a public good. All speeches were enthusiastically received by delegates and generated much positive discussion.
Policy-driven solutions
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “It’s good to be at the Liberal Democrats' Conference to get in front of MPs and showcase the value of British food and farming to our society, environment and economy.
“But the past few years have thrown multiple challenges which are hitting confidence and investment. Party conferences are an opportunity to discuss policy-driven solutions that would not only help future-proof farm businesses, but our nation’s food security too.”
See the reception in pictures:
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Lib Dem MPs with NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos L-R: Sarah Gibson, Alex Brewer, Sarah Dyke, Daisy Cooper, Tim Farron, Alistair Carmichael, Caroline Voaden, Danny Chambers, Helen Morgan and John Milne
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos speaking at the NFU Liberal Democrat Party Conference 2025
L-R Tim Farron (Lib Dem, Westmorland and Lonsdale), NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos and Efra Select Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael (Lib Dem, Orkney and Shetland)
Photographs: Elliott Franks
Where will you find the NFU next?
The NFU will be hosting its next conference breakfast at the Labour party conference on Monday 29 September. NFU members are invited to join our free fringe event on the theme of driving rural growth.