Westminster CREDIT Jon Ander:Flickr

The Palace of Westminster
Photo: Jon Ander/Flickr

The NFU has officially opened a new and improved base in the heart of Westminster in a bid to ensure the voice of British farming is heard in Parliament.

It is hoped that the bigger, bespoke offices at 18 Smith Square will give the NFU increased opportunities to meet policy makers to discuss important political developments and issues affecting its members.

The office has already hosted 20 high-profile meetings and events including the Drought Summit and Brexit Farming Roundtable,both attended by Michael Gove;the Livestock Information Service event with Defra minister LordGardiner;and numerous press briefings for the national and farming media.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “At this crucial time when farming’s future is being decided upon, it has never beenmore important for the NFU to have a high-profile presence in the heart of Westminster.

“As the largest agricultural trade association in the UK, the new space gives us more opportunities to meet with MPs and other policy makers to help shape the food and farming debate and champion British agriculture.

“It will support our lobbying and campaigning priorities in the months and years ahead,giving our farmer and grower members a stronger voice on the political stage.The NFU has a strong tradition of working hard to influence positive change in farming policy.”