The National Farmers’ Union’s (NFU) government and parliamentary affairs team has prepared a “30 to watch… and one to keep watching” list of constituencies which reflect farming interests.

Thirty representative constituencies across England and Wales have been selected based on where farmers are standing; where candidates who have influenced the farming agenda in the past or, if elected, could well influence it in the future, are standing; and where the farming vote could influence the outcome.

Ahead of the election, the NFU’s government and parliamentary affairs advisers will be providing commentary and analysis in relation to the 31 constituencies, explaining what the key issues are, who stands for what and why the outcomes matter.

This will be followed by an hour-by-hour analysis of results on NFU Online as they come in on election night and into the next day. The NFU Twitter feed will also be utilised throughout the night to give views and analysis from the team.

The 31 constituencies include Arundel and South Downs, Brecon and Radnorshire, Ludlow, Meirionnydd Dwyfor, Newbury, Mid-Norfolk, Torridge and West Devon, Waveney, Westmorland and Lonsdale and York Outer.

Acting head of government and parliamentary affairs Julie Robinson said: “The results of this election will be key for the many issues affecting our farmers and growers. They need strong political backing if they are to play their part in tackling the global challenges of increasing population, dwindling resources and climate change.

“For our industry to thrive we need to see farming and growing at the heart of policy-making. The 30-to-watch seats we have identified include many of the rural constituencies which are marginal and could make all the difference to the result come election night on 6 May.”