Tractors rolled outside the Houses of Parliament as the annual Back British Farming Day event commenced yesterday. Now in its ninth year, the initiative put a spotlight on the importance of farming, such as providing food for the nation, its environmental efforts, and its contribution to the economy.
The NFU-organised event started in Westminster with a breakfast reception at the House of Commons. More than 100 MPs were expected to attend, and they were given a Wheatsheaf pin badge to wear during Prime Minister's Questions to show their support.
The prime minister, leader of the opposition, and senior politicians usually wear the badge, now an emblem of the day, during debates and at PMQs. In the lead-up to that, a red Massey Ferguson tractor arrived in the Old Palace Yard outside of parliament, with NFU officials greeting MPs and members of the public to share the story of Britain's farmers.
The NFU said that the government must take action to value UK food security and ensure environmental delivery.
Speaking ahead of a breakfast reception for MPs in Parliament, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "British farmers and growers are proud to produce the raw ingredients that underpin our essential food and drink sector, the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth a huge £148 billion, and employing more than four million people."
"But there are huge challenges. Over the past 18 months, we have seen a collapse in farmer confidence, driven by record inflation, falls in farm income, and a changing climate with unprecedented weather patterns delivering relentless rain which left thousands of acres of farmland under water.
"While in opposition we heard consistently from Labour that food security is national security." The Prime Minister, speaking at NFU Conference last year, pledged that Labour "aspires to govern for every corner of our country", and will seek a new relationship with the countryside and farming communities on this basis, a relationship based on respect and genuine partnership.
Sources:
Farm Contractor Magazine.
FarmingUK