Fourteen MPs from all political parties visited ABP (Anglo Beef Processors) UK’s demonstration farm, a 380-acre farm on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border.
ABP has a rich agricultural heritage spanning back to 1954 and specialises in the supply and development of award-winning British and Irish beef and lamb products for retail, foodservice and wholesale. The business works with farmers across the country supporting their businesses and is committed to transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.
ABP UK sponsored the visit on 4 April to its flagship demonstration facility, which is a mixed livestock, grassland and arable business, managed by East Shropshire NFU member Andrew Macleod.
Sharing knowledge, passion and expertise
Talks were had on what is needed for sustainable beef and lamb production to flourish going forward, as well as the work being done to drive environmental benefits at a business and industry level.
MPs discussed the importance of healthy soil, the value of grassland and found out more about the activities that are being conducted to drive positive environmental objectives, while further improving their beef production footprint.
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton said that “now more than ever it remains essential we continue to engage with our politicians and give them the tools, knowledge and understanding needed so they are able to highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security and the growth and investment required for the future of British farming”.
“Now more than ever it remains essential we continue to engage with our politicians and give them the tools, knowledge and understanding needed.”
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton
He said MPs will speak up not only in their constituencies but also in Westminster on some of the big issues impacting our industry, adding that farmers and growers need that “commitment and support from Westminster”.
Bob Carnell, of ABP UK, said: “We are proud to work with the NFU and share with MPs the immense contributions our farmers make to our food supply, environment and economy.
“We were delighted to showcase how sustainability is at the core of what farmers do and how it is at the heart of modern food manufacturing businesses.
“Our 6,000 UK colleagues turn the very best of British farming into the very best British beef and lamb, enjoyed by millions of consumers every week.
“We were excited to share our knowledge, passion and expertise at our demonstration farm in Shropshire, bringing to life the vast potential of our sector, which enjoys fantastic recognition for quality and sustainability among our consumers”
MPs who attended:
The NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship scheme launched last year in partnership with sponsoring organisations ABP UK, AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation), Arla Foods, Barfoots, the BEIC (British Egg Industry Council) and Fareshare, showcasing the industry and enabling participating MPs to see first hand how sustainable and affordable food gets from field to fork.
- Olivia Bailey, Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
- Sam Carling, Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire.
- Catherine Fookes, Labour MP for Monmouthshire.
- Julie Minns, Labour MP for Carlisle and North Cumbria.
- James Naish, Labour MP for Rushcliffe.
- Josh Newbury, Labour MP for Cannock Chase.
- Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South.
- Sarah Russell, Labour MP for Congleton.
- Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon.
- Dr Roz Savage, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds.
- Rachel Taylor, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth.
- Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove.
- Jo White, Labour MP for Bassetlaw.
- Steve Witherden, Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr.
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MPs Julie Minns and Roz Savage attended the farm visit
(L-R) MPs James Naish and Catherine Fookes and Neeve McGinty (NFU) during the farm visit
(L-R) MPs Julie Minns and Steve Witherden, Olivia Phoenix (NFU) and Roz Savage MP
(L-R) MPs Rebecca Smith and Bradley Thomas, NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton and MPs James Naish, Sarah Russell and Catherine Fookes listen to a presentation
NFU Livestock board chair David Barton speaking at the MP farm visit
Photographs: Adam Fradgley / Exposure
