Well-negotiated EU alignment, workforce security and planning reform among key priorities for farming union
The NFU has joined leading food industry organisations in signing an open letter calling on the UK’s Prime Minister to support a five-point plan for a more resilient and affordable food system.
Co-signed with the British Retail Consortium, the Food and Drink Federation and UKHospitality, the open letter was published as nominations opened for the Labour Party leadership contest.
The five-point plan outlined the need for swift action to strengthen the UK’s food supply chain by delivering greater value for the public, procuring a well-negotiated EU realignment, improving planning systems, securing labour, and driving investment and growth.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “British farmers and growers are the foundation of our food system. With 70 million people reliant on us to produce their food, we must act now to secure a resilient, affordable food system in the coming years.
“To drive success, farmers and growers need to know they’ll have the workforce they rely on, regulation which supports efficiency and growth, and a planning system that drives investment in much-needed farm infrastructure such as poultry sheds, storage for valuable manures and reservoirs.”
The open letter echoed government sentiments that “food security is national security” and urged the next leader to action those ideals.
Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to become Britain’s next Prime Minister, has previously said that “food and farming must be safeguarded,” and pledged to unlock £1 billion of support for farmers, according to Farmers Guardian.
