The UK farming industry has united to support Back British Farming Day today, as an autumn campaign dedicated to promoting Great British food gets underway.
Farmers have taken three iconic Massey Ferguson tractors and a host of British produce to London today – to showcase British food and to encourage MPs to Back British Farming.
MPs will wear their specially designed British wheat lapel badges to Prime Minister’s Questions and sign the NFU’s post-Brexit pledge.
Rural affairs Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom and farming minister George Eustice have already confirmed their support and attendance.
The event is timed to coincide with the end of a historic NFU member consultation – where the NFU has been speaking to its members on the impact of Brexit and what a future domestic farming policy should look like.
'Strategically and politically important'
NFU Deputy President Minette Batters said it is "essential" that post-Brexit agriculture is seen as "strategically and politically important" in all future trade negotiations.
"But beyond that, we need government to ensure it is committed to supporting the long-term future of an industry worth £108bn to the economy and one which is responsible for putting so much British food on our plates," Miss Batters said.
"That’s why we have arranged the event in Westminster and I would urge as many MPs as possible to sign our pledge.
"I am very pleased that Andrea Leadsom - with whom the NFU has already spoken to at length about the need for the development of a domestic agricultural policy – and George Eustice have said they will be attending."
'Bedrock of UK's economy'
Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said British farming is a bedrock of the UK's economy, and "enjoys a global reputation for producing world class food."
"I want to see this vital industry go from strength to strength and supporting our farmers will form an important part of our exit from the EU," Miss Leadsom said.
The call comes just a week after Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons that Government needed “to recognise the very significant role that the food and farming industry plays in the United Kingdom and of course we will be looking to work with the sector.”
On the day, the NFU is encouraging people to contact their local MPs on Twitter to see if they will #BackBritishFarming.
The Union is also encouraging MPs to show their support by wearing their British-made pin badges in Parliament.
