NFU President will call on a future Labour Government to Back British farming
The NFU will call for MPs to back British farmers with a manifesto for growth at the Labour Party Conference fringe event tonight.
NFU President Peter Kendall will take the opportunity to get commitment from Labour on key issues during a Food and Farming Debate. These include removing the barriers which block a successful retail supply chain, such as problems with planning and labour availability, as well as challenging them to create a successful food vision as part of their manifesto.
“The current situation is simple,” he said. “As farmers and growers we need to make the most of our natural resources here in this country to produce more food. For me, many of the solutions to see this happen are also simple providing we have commitment and the right policy framework from those in power.
“We need to see a fiscal framework that promotes investment in more productive and resilient farm businesses; we need regulations based on outcomes rather than process to ensure we have a more efficient and less burdensome approach to regulation; and we need to ensure farmers and growers have access to the best technologies available.
“British farmers currently produce the raw materials for our food and drink sector, which is worth some £95billion, and employs more than 3.7 million people. It is a vibrant sector that can and will continue to play its part beyond food production. Clean, green energy, environmental stewardship and world-leading livestock husbandry are all part of what farming delivers.
“Tonight, I hope we can discuss what MPs and retailers can do to back British farming.”
Mr Kendall will be joined on the platform by Labour Shadow Defra Minister Mary Creagh, Labour Shadow Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies and Co-operative Food Policy manager Cathryn Higgs. The session will be chaired by Lord Rooker.
