The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, also recorded a video message for the event.
At the conference, the NFU launched a new report highlighting that an ambitious and revolutionary approach to levelling up rural Britain can create jobs, boost green economic growth, increase exports and improve the wellbeing of the entire nation.
Find out more about the Levelling up rural Britain report here.
Key Stats
- 110 Journalists registered to attend, achieving a total of 894 pieces of coverage with a combined reach of 265.7 million across national, regional and trade media.
- #NFU21 trended in the “News” section of Twitter.
- It was also the most tweeted hashtag by MPs on the day.
- There were over 2000 tweets using the hashtag.
- NFU content received more than 3000 likes, retweets and replies on the day
NFU media coverage
NFU President Minette Batters kick-started the discussion on BBC Radio 4's Today programme where she talked about the NFU's new report. Listen to the full interview from 1hr 18mins.
#ICYMI Catch up with NFU President @Minette_Batters on @BBCr4today this morning as she introduced our new levelling up rural Britain report ???? #NFU21
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) February 23, 2021
More info here ?? https://t.co/ELog1xRuxd pic.twitter.com/X6GhQoJgO2
Minette also wrote a column for Telegraph online further highlighting the importance of levelling up urban and rural areas and was interviewed on Times Radio with presenter John Pienaar. Listen back from 2 hrs 13 mins.
Minette also pre-recorded an interview with BBC Farming Today about the levelling up report. Listen from the start.
NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts was interviewed live on Times Radio where he explained that investment in rural Britain is needed to deliver more for the national economy. Listen again from 28 mins.
Stuart also featured across Talk Radio, TalkSport and VirginRadio discussing the report.
Catch up with NFU DP @HertsFarmer's interview on @TimesRadio yesterday talking all about the importance of UK food production and investing in rural Britain ?? pic.twitter.com/jDMJcJthaW
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) February 24, 2021
The Daily Mail delved into George Eustice's plans for future agriculture policy and the sustainable farm incentives which form part of the programme to replace the EU subsidy scheme. The piece also featured NFU President Minette Batters. Other outlets that covered this aspect include The Daily Telegraph and Reuters.
The I, The Guardian, The Daily Mirror, and The Daily Express covered Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's speech, aimed at rural communities as he proposed a major review of farming policies. The Guardian piece also included a quote from NFU member Olly Harrison.
Financial Times, The Daily Express, and The Daily Mail focused on Liz Truss' announcement of her department's Open Doors campaign which aims to encourage the food and farming industry to target the Asian middle classes to boost exports. NFU President Minette Batters is quoted in the articles.
Several national papers previewed Liz Truss’ and Sir Keir Starmer’s speeches ahead of NFU Live 2021, alongside discussing the NFU’s Levelling up rural Britian report. These included: