Call for next government to recognise farming

Would-be MPs are being urged to recognise the role of food and farming as candidates pitch for the rural vote ahead of next month’s general election.

Confidence among farmers is the lowest since the NFU began its annual state of the industry survey in 2010. Farm businesses are being hit by the phase-out of direct payments (86%), rising input costs (80%) and red tape (80%).

High stakes

escribing the general election on 4 July as the “most important in a generation for British food and farming,” NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The stakes are very high. If the next government gets it right, then this huge sector can grow, contributing even more to the UK economy, to the health and welfare of Britons and to the environment. But farming is under huge pressure.”

The NFU is working to ensure prospective MPs from all political parties understand the importance of boosting home-grown food production and supporting farmers who look after the environment, added Mr Bradshow.

The union’s manifesto outlines what it believes the next government must deliver to support the nation’s farmers and growers. It includes food security, fairer supply chains and trade agreements that recognise high food standards.