THE National Farmers' Union (NFU) has published its manifesto - and urges political parties to support policies that back British food and farming. 

New research (conducted by More in Commo, commissioned by the NFU) included in the manifesto shows that food and farming matters to voters in the run up to the general election. 

It shows: 

  • 84% think food production targets are either as important or more important than environmental targets for farming
  • 82% say it would be a good idea for the government to set targets to increase British food production
  • 66% think that the parties’ plans on farming will be one of the issues that affects who they vote for at the next general election
  • 66% think that a commitment to a long-term plan for food and farming will be an important factor in who they vote for at the next election

One part of the manifesto calls on the next government to match the existing target-led ambitions for the environment and climate mitigation, with similar ambitions for Britain’s food security, by also setting targets for food production.

NFU South regional board chair Rob Halliday said: “We know people value what we do, not just to produce food but to also care for the environment and I would call on the next government to do more to support our family farms.

“Here in the south, we have some excellent farming businesses who not only produce food but support our landscapes, underpin our economy and promote rural tourism and we are the bedrock of our local communities.

“Food and farming is the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector and our farms are fundamental to ensuring prosperity in the countryside and great quality food remains available for all of us in a turbulent world.

“We need to see clear targets to increase British food production and support our farmers into the future.”

NFU president Minette Batters added: “All our research shows that the British people really value our farmers and growers for the work they do day-in, day-out to feed the nation. Their support has been vital during the turbulence of the past few years with the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and increasing periods of drought and flooding.

“Shoppers want to be able to go into a supermarket and have the option to buy quality, high-welfare, environmentally-friendly food and we know the availability and affordability of food is high on people’s minds. But with food production under increasing pressure – not least from record production costs and the biggest shake up in agricultural policy since 1947 – we need policies in place that support British farming, with all Whitehall departments developing policy through the lens of food production.

“We know that the rural vote will be important in this election, but it’s clear that across the country, people living in towns and cities also want to know how parties plan to boost sustainable, home-grown food production as well as care for the environment and tackle climate change. And our data shows it will influence who they vote for at the ballot box."