The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has highlighted that voters in England can use upcoming elections to shine a light on the challenges facing British producers.
With local elections being held on 7th May, more than 4,850 council seats across 134 local authorities will be contested.
NFU stated that the candidates standing in the elections will “have a big part to play in helping to shape the future of British farming”. It highlighted an opportunity for industry to spotlight challenges facing British food producers.
The union identified areas where local Government support would be most impactful, including ensuring local planning officers are trained in agricultural operations and procuring at least 50% of the food the council requires from local farmers and growers.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “Farming is the backbone of our rural economy and lifeblood of rural communities. Our farmers manage over 70% of the landscape, protect and enhance the environment and produce food for 70 million people.
“However, confidence within the sector remains severely low. Farm businesses are under extreme cost pressures for feed, fuel and fertiliser, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, starting with the invasion of Ukraine and most recently the war in the Middle East, coupled with unpredictable climate and extreme weather all impacting on our ability to produce food.”
“It’s never been more important to have a resilient British food and farming system.”
Tom Bradshaw, NFU
Bradshaw continued: “Decisions being taken by local authorities can have a direct and lasting impact on farm businesses and the communities they support. By championing pro-farming policies on areas such as planning, rural crime and the procurement of more British food, councils aren’t just supporting individual farming businesses – they can help turn the tide and shape the future of our industry by increasing our collective resilience.
“We are engaging with candidates to highlight the NFU’s Blueprints, which outline the urgent need to invest in our farmers and growers at a local level to deliver jobs, kickstart rural economic growth and ensure UK food security.
“It’s never been more important to have a resilient British food and farming system with farmers and growers at its heart. We look forward to working with all newly elected representatives to help create an environment for a thriving and profitable British farming industry.”
