MPs enrol on new NFU scheme to champion British food and farming

The NFU is providing newly elected MPs with the tools they need to champion British food and farming in their constituencies and in Westminster.

The union’s new Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme will showcase the industry and enable participating MPs to see first-hand how sustainable and affordable food gets from field to fork.

The scheme is being run in partnership with sponsoring organisations Barfoots, FareShare, ABP UK, Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Arla Foods, and the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC).

A year-long itinerary will cover different farming sectors and concludes with a graduation dinner in Westminster where each MP will be recognised for their work in building up an understanding and knowledge of the UK food and farming industry.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The NFU engages with all political parties to ensure they understand the importance of boosting homegrown food production, as well as the work farmers and growers carry out caring for the environment, providing a home for nature and finding solutions to the challenges of climate change.

“Our Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme is an extension of that campaigning work and has been designed to create a new group of champion MPs who will speak up in their constituencies, but also in Westminster, on some of the big issues impacting an industry.

“Along with all our sponsor partners, we will provide those MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security.”

They will also be prepared to emphasise the growth and investment required for the future of British farming, so that farmers and growers can continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food, alongside caring for the environment.

MPs who have signed up to the NFU Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme are: