NFU celebrates British food with country's top chefs

Speaking on a panel with food journalist and broadcaster Nigel Barden, NFU chief livestock adviser John Royle and NFU member Joe Stanley told chefs that British farmers are leading the way on food standards and quality, and that home-grown food should be clearly labelled in pubs and restaurants across the country.

Mr Royle said: “British farming has a great story to tell. Our farmers are passionate about their products and produce food to some of the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental protection, product traceability and food safety in the world.

“As Brexit approaches, UK agriculture faces significant challenges and one of our key asks is that food imports must meet the same standards we have here, or risk undercutting our own higher cost, high quality production. We also want to see clearer origin labelling within the food service sector so customers can make an informed choice when eating out.

“I know that food service businesses want to source the best quality ingredients, and quality is at the heart of British production. I invite all chefs and food service businesses to help us celebrate and showcase the best of British food and drink in their restaurants and products.”

NFU member and arable farmer Joe Stanley said: “As a country we love food, and as a farmer I am extremely proud of the high quality we work hard to deliver here in Britain.

“I believe we have a moral imperative to not only feed the nation and improve our self-sufficiency, but do so in a way that benefits our animal and plant health, our environment and our own health. This responsibility is also shared by the food service industry.

“What we can see from this event is that farmers and chefs are intrinsically connected through their passion for food. We need to work together towards Brexit outcomes that will benefit British food, from early stages of production to the finished product on our plates.”