In particular, Tom said the NFU was working hard to ensure that the incoming government gave farming the support it deserved and that environmental schemes, whilst important, must not come at the expense of food production.
“People don’t eat butterflies for breakfast,” he said.
“We have the perfect climate for producing food, but we cannot do it with one hand tied behind our backs, competing with countries that have lower standards,” he told farmers.
Manifesto in place
“We have had our election manifesto in place for quite some time in anticipation of a General Election, and for the next five weeks, this is the Bible as far as the NFU is concerned,”
“We need government to invest in food production for the future. All political parties are now talking about food security being a critical part of our national security and we need policies that will deliver on those really important words.
“The geopolitical situation globally with what is happening over in Ukraine and the situation down in the Middle East means that we cannot take food production for granted.
Domestic food production essential
“We have 70 million people here living on an island and having a plan for how they are going to be fed is absolutely essential. Imports will always be part of that, but driving domestic food production should be an essential part of delivering for food security as part of our national security.
“At the moment, domestic food production is being taken for granted and the vulnerability of our supply chain has been highlighted several times over the last couple of years where we have seen empty supermarket shelves for basic groceries including eggs.
“Political parties are now talking about food security being a critical part of our national security and we need policies that will deliver on those really important words.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Core standards must be implemented
“We’re asking for core standards to be implemented within trade that would make it illegal to import products which are produced to lower standards. We are proud to produce to some of the highest standards in the world here in the UK.
“Eggs being imported in recent months is a disgraceful example of undermining our British farmers; all we ask for is a level playing field. We also want to see food production given the same political priority as delivering for legislated environmental targets.
“If we are to deliver economic growth, which is going to be essential for any political party coming to power, we need to have enabling policies which support rather than hinder food production.
“We are hearing the rhetoric from politicians about the importance of food and farming and, post General Election, we need to turn those warm words into actions that underpin British food production for the future.”
Hard work of farmers and growers
NFU South regional director Mel Squires said: “As a county, Somerset heavily relies on the farming community to produce great-tasting sustainable food as well as benefiting the environment and boosting local rural communities and the economy all year round.
“This also applies to Somerset’s neighbouring counties and their farming families too, which the show supports and invites to join them over these three days.
“As of 2022, the total value of crops harvested in Somerset was over £291 million and the total value of livestock produced was over £925 million, and it is all thanks to the hard work of our county farmers, growers and their families.”
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NFU President Tom Bradshaw
The audience listens to Tom
Somerset county chair Lindsey Isgar
Tom Bradshaw speaking to members at the Royal Bath & West show
Esther Woolford from panel firm Clarke Willmott
Mel Squires is interviewed by the Western Morning News
County adviser Emily Martin with group secretary Kim Brake (r)
Former NFU President Minette Batters with Lindsey Isgar (l) and regional board chair Robyn Munt
The NFU stand at the show
