Monday, 27 May 2024 14:25

Election most important for British farming - NFU

Written by  Staff Reporters
National Farmers' Union president Tom Bradshaw. Photo Credit: National Farmers' Union. National Farmers' Union president Tom Bradshaw. Photo Credit: National Farmers' Union.

As Britain heads to the polls on 4 July, the UK’s National Farmer’s Union (NFU) has come out in full force, saying the election will be the most important in a generation for British farming.

“The stakes are very high,” says NFU president Tom Bradshaw. “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 and growing is under huge pressure.”

Similar to in New Zealand, farmer confidence in the UK is at what Bradshaw describes as “rock bottom”.

It comes after a series of floods, high production costs and low market returns, all of which is against a backdrop of a shift towards new domestic agriculture policy.

“Farmers and growers need the policies in place that will rebuild confidence and deliver a thriving, profitable farming sector delivering for food security as a key part of our national security,” Bradshaw says.

Late last year, as talk of the general election started to ramp up, the NFU released its election manifesto.

The election manifesto outlines for four major policy priorities the union says should be a focus for politicians:

  • A long-term plan for food and farming;
  • A more powerful grocery regulator to ensure farmers and growers are treated fairly;
  • Prioritizing British domestic food production in the budget; and
  • Ensuring that more food in schools and hospitals comes from British farmers.

“What farmers, growers and the public need to see is practical policies which invest in a future where Britain’s farmers and growers can continue producing sustainable, affordable food, driving forward economic growth, providing jobs, and delivering on the nation’s environmental ambitions,” Bradshaw concludes.

More like this

Tough year for UK farmers

Volatile input costs, fluctuating commodity prices, a reduction in direct payments and one of the wettest periods in decades that resulted in a disastrous harvest, have left their mark and many UK farming businesses worse off.

Featured

Hort industry dishes out awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Manuka honey trader posts sour results

Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.

Poultry industry, Govt sign landmark biosecurity deal

The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter