More than 130 MPs and Peers attended the reception held one day after Labour outlined its priorities for the months ahead in the King’s Speech.
Crossbench peer Lord Carrington sponsored the event in the House of Lords and gave a speech alongside NFU President Tom Bradshaw and Mr Zeichner.
The NFU welcomed familiar and new faces, as more than 80 new MPs attended.
In his opening remarks, Tom described what has been “a challenging 18 months” with unprecedented rainfall and low business confidence taking its toll on farmers’ physical and mental health.
“We’ve dealt with flooding, we’ve got many fields which should be approaching harvest now that are laying fallow with bare soil, not producing any food.
“Despite this, we’ve proudly kept the nation fed,” Tom said. “We know that the British public value the role of food and farming.”
He referenced the results of a recent NFU survey which found that 74% of the public have a favourable view of farmers and growers, with 91% saying they feel that farming is important to the UK economy.
Increasing the UK’s self-sufficiency and ensuring animal welfare standards are maintained for imported food also topped the public’s priorities for the industry.
Lord Carrington also emphasised the challenges farmers faced, adding that it was “disappointing” to see no mention of farming in the King’s Speech.
“We must now move from words to action on food security and a budget that enables that shift,” he said.
Key pledges to be actioned
“At a time of climate change and the geo-political situation we see at the moment, there has never been a more important time to deliver on those words of food security and national security,” said Tom.
The new Secretary of State must also commit to a transparent transition and publish the impact assessment both on the impact of food production and business viability, he told attendees.
Tom added that we also want to see words on fairness on the supply chain translated into meaningful policy, and legislation to deliver on Labour’s commitment to source 50% of food for the public sector locally “as soon as possible”.
“There has never been a more important time to deliver on those words of food security and national security.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Tom reiterated his support for Labour’s manifesto commitment around a trade strategy that promotes the highest standards of food production, adding that “for too long we’ve felt like we’ve been competing with our hands tied behind our back – that cannot continue”.
The Seasonal Workers Scheme, planning policy and disease control were also areas Tom highlighted as key areas of focus for driving productivity.
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From left to right, Catherine Fookes MP, Aled Jones, Becky Gittins MP, Andrew Ranger MP, Abi Reader
Daniel Zeichner MP speaking at the NFU summer reception
David Exwood and Terry Jones speaking with Sojan Joseph MP
David Exwood with Lord Carrington
From left to right: Helen Morgan MP, Greg Stafford MP, Ben Obese-Jecty MP, Dame Priti Patel MP
Tom Bradshaw and NFU Sugar Board chair Michael Sly with Andrew Pakes MP
Rachel Hallos at the NFU summer reception
David Exwood, Tom Bradshaw and Rachel Hallos
Shared mission of food security
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said he realised “from the outset the pressures farmers are under”, adding that “businesses need stability and that will be our goal”.
The government is committed to the agricultural transition through the environmental land management schemes he said, and to ensuring the system works for farmers.
“You’ve heard the words food security is national security – it’s absolutely at the centre of Labour’s mission to grow the economy. Food security is a shared mission of this government, and we’ll absolutely share it with you.”
To deliver this, the Minister outlined the government’s pledges which include:
- seeking a new veterinary agreement with the EU
- ensuring farmers aren’t undercut by low welfare and standards in trade deals
- cutting energy bills
- a cross-government rural crime strategy
- upskilling the workforce through reforming the apprenticeship levy
- supporting on mental health and loneliness
Assurances on bTB
Both the Farming Minister and the NFU President agreed disease control was a key priority.
The Minister said the government was “determined to eradicate bovine TB”.
He added: “It’s a complicated issue, but we absolutely believe we can do a lot through bio-security, herd management and speeding up the development of the vaccine that works with an effective test and all the things that need to come from that in terms of trade.
“I know the culling debate is a really hard one, very contentious, huge passion from both sides of the argument. The Secretary of State has been clear, the current round of licences will be honoured.
“I absolutely believe we’re only going to eradicate bovine TB by working closely and constructively together to use all the science and everything we’ve got to beat it.
“I’ve already said to the department that is my top priority, so you have my assurance.”
