51AVÊÓƵ

The NFU said the Government must take action to 'value UK food security and ensure important environmental delivery' by making a commitment on October 30 to a 'renewed and enhanced multi-annual agricultural budget of £5.6 million.'

Farming budget 

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said an increase to the farming pot was 'essential in giving farmers and growers the confidence to 'invest for the future' and deliver on a joint ambition to produce 'more sustainable, affordable homegrown food', while creating more jobs and 'delivering for nature, energy security and climate-friendly farming.'

READ ALSO: Rural and farming communities could face choice between 'eating or heating' this winter due to fuel support cuts

Mr Bradshaw warned the sector was at a 'tipping point', and urged all MPs to show their 'unstinted support' and seize the opportunity to 'harness the passion and the drive of British farmers and growers to ensure a thriving future'

Labour Government 

The plea comes on the 9th annual 'Back British Farming Day', the day where the union and its farming members  ask politicians, the public, retailers, food processers and manufacturers to celebrate and champion British agriculture and its importance to the UK economy. 

LISTEN NOW: Farmers Guardian Podcast: Siblings plan their Yorkshire tenancy succession with the support of their parents

Mr Bradshaw said: "British farmers and growers are proud to produce the raw ingredients that underpin our essential food and drink sector, the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, worth a huge £148 billion, and employing more than four million people.

READ ALSO: Farmer Alistair Carmichael elected as new EFRA Select Committee chair

'Huge challenges'

"But there are huge challenges. Over the past 18 months we have seen a collapse in farmer confidence, driven by record inflation, falls in farm income and a changing climate with unprecedented weather patterns delivering relentless rain which left thousands of acres of farmland under water.

"While in opposition we heard consistently from Labour that food security is national security. The Prime Minister, speaking at NFU Conference last year, pledged that Labour "aspires to govern for every corner of our country, and will seek a new relationship with the countryside and farming communities on this basis, a relationship based on respect and on genuine partnership".