Farming leaders pushed the need for vital political support for the industry at the South of England Show.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said firm commitments from political parties are urgently needed ahead of the general election to help farmers in the South East, and across the UK, overcome some of the biggest challenges they have faced in years.
‘Collapse’ in farmer confidence
The NFU Farmer Confidence Survey revealed that short and mid-term confidence levels in the industry were at their lowest since the survey began, in 2010.
The NFU is calling for the government to recognise the extraordinary nature of what has been the wettest 18 months since 1836, warning that many farms may be unable to survive.
Mr Exwood, who is a West Sussex farmer, said: “Farmers are going through an incredibly challenging time and we need political support to give back that confidence and positivity for the future.
“It is concerning that, during the general election campaigns, very little has been said about plans to support food and farming. We urge all parties and their candidates to take these issues very seriously.
Our asks in detail
“The rural vote will be key at the general election. Political parties must put firm plans and commitments in place to ensure farming here in the South East, and across Britain, has a bright future.“
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
Public support for British farming
“Recent surveys* have shown that farmers have a huge amount of support from the general public.
“The support shown here at the South of England Show, has also emphasised how much farmers are valued by the general public, for which we are very grateful.
“The rural vote will be key at the general election and so political parties must put firm plans and commitments in place to ensure farming here in the South East, and across Britain, has a bright future.“
Farmers’ lack of confidence in the industry has seen production intentions plummet with all farming sectors expecting to decrease production over the next year.
Farming for Britain's future
The NFU has launched its own general election manifesto – Farming for Britain's Future – of key asks from all political parties ahead of the general election, to help ensure a positive future for British farming.
The asks include:
- Plan for and reward farmers fairly for their role in mitigating flood risk and commit to the proactive management of our watercourses.
- A smooth and seamless transition to new environmental schemes that are open to all farmers and growers, and ensure profitable long-term, food-producing businesses.
- Establish minimum standards to promote a fair and functioning supply chain.
- Develop and establish core production standards that apply to agri-food imports.
Benefits for everyone
NFU West Sussex Chair Andrew Strong said: “Farmers urgently need support and tackling these issues is important for the wider society, not just farmers.
“Farming is a major driver of the economy. Farmers here protect the countryside and support the environment and British farmers work to the highest standards of animal welfare.
“A successful and thriving British farming industry benefits all of us.”
* Survey work carried out for the NFU by More in Common in October 2023 showed that:
84% of people think food production targets are either as important or more important than environmental targets for farming;
82% say it would be a good idea for the government to set targets to increase British food production;</p?
71% say farmers don’t get enough credit for keeping food on our shelves.
