I marked this year's Back British Farming Day on 13th September.
Farming and agriculture forms the backbone of many of our local rural communities and plays a critical role in maintaining the nation’s food security. Back British Farming Day is promoted by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) to support British farmers and growers and celebrate the high-quality, environmentally friendly and nutritious food they produce for the country. I was delighted to celebrate the day by joining two special receptions with the NFU and Number 10.
At the NFU reception, I was able to discuss the importance of food security with the NFU President Minette Batters before later attending a reception in 10 Downing Street, hosted by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to celebrate our farming community.
Ahead of marking this day in Parliament, I visited a local farm in Belchford where I met farmers from the surrounding area. On a beautiful sunny day, we used the opportunity to discuss this year’s harvest and the farming sector. In a wide-ranging discussion, topics including, food security, safeguarding the environment and trade protections were discussed.
One of the standout topics was the importance of growing the amount of British produce consumed in the UK. I therefore welcomed the Government announcement on Back British Farming Day to help customers buy British when they shop online. It is a government commitment to keep producing 60% of the food we consume here in the UK and provide a boost to the UK’s £127 billion food and farming sector.
I’m extremely proud to be celebrating our farmers and growers in the Louth and Horncastle constituency. Everyone in our local agricultural sector works incredibly hard, often in changing and challenging circumstances to provide the food our nation loves and relies upon. I’m so grateful to John Smith for recently hosting me at his farm and providing the opportunity for other local farmers in the area to come together to discuss this vital sector. It was fantastic to be able to continue this conversation with the NFU President herself Minette Batters on Back British Farming Day.
I am committed to supporting our vital agricultural sector and will always stand up for the interests of our local farmers.
