NFU president Minette Batters has had her first of two important meetings with the government as the union steps up its efforts to empahsize the importance of British food production as Brexit unfolds.
The NFU Summer Reception on 25 June saw Defra secretary Michael Gove deliver a keynote speech to over 100 MPs and farmers, making the case for producing more high-quality British food after the UK's exit from the EU.
“It is a pivotal time for British farmers,” said Batters. “We’ve just submitted a response to the biggest consultation on the future of the farming sector in 40 years and we will soon see the Agriculture Bill. It has never been so important to underline the value of the British food and farming sector to government.
“It is our strong belief that every person, no matter what their income, has a right to have access to quality, safe, traceable food produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards. And it’s this food that British farmers are able to deliver.”
She added that the food and drinks industry contributes £112 billion to the UK economy and underpins nearly 4 million jobs.
The event comes on the eve of a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street, where she will also underline the the importance of the food and farming sector to the country.
At the meeting Batters will raise concerns from across the food and farming sector, including the importance of domestic food to the nation, the need for a seasonal agricultural workers scheme and the forthcoming Agriculture Bill.
Batters said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get clarity from the Prime Minister on the direction of the farming industry in the future, but also to raise the importance of our sector in Downing Street.”
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