Farmers backed by public to deliver on food security

90 per cent of the public surveyed felt farming was important to the UK economy, while 80 per cent agreed British farms should grow as much food as they can to provide national food security.

British food 

On the 8^th anniversary of 'Back British Farming Day', NFU president Minette Batters said it was ‘heart-warming' to know the public valued the work farmers and growers do to produce ‘fantastic homegrown food'.

She said: "This food underpins the British food and farming sector and is worth more than £100 billion to the national economy, all while protecting and enhancing our iconic landscapes.

"We really have some of the most forward-thinking, productive and innovative farmers and growers working across our sector. Despite the challenges being faced by everyone this year, we are still doing what we do best - producing great tasting British food. On this 'Back British Farming Day', we appreciate this public support more than ever and want to say a massive thank you to everyone.

Read other stories

MPs urge Government to act on food security

From the editor: "British at the touch of a button"

Sunak urged to honour food security commitment

Today ( September 13) celebrations for Back British Farming Day started at Westminster with a breakfast reception at the House of Commons. 

More than 100 MPs heard according to a recent NFU survey,  87% of respondents support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production.

"This is a clear message that the public backs our calls for Government to prioritise homegrown food production and legislate to ensure the UK's self-sufficiency does not drop below its current level of 60%.

"We had had everything thrown at us over the past 18 months - soaring production costs, global market instability caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, extreme bouts of weather and significant delays to farm payments. The empty shelves we have seen this year speak for themselves; we need to be producing more of our food here," Mrs Batters said. 

Food security targets

She said more than ever it is crucial that policies are in place to support the production of 'quality, climate friendly homegrown food' and questioned why food production does not have statutory targets like the environment. 

"Fundamentally, investing in domestic food production means we can increase our productivity, create more jobs and deliver much more for the economy and for the environment.

"We know we have huge public support - we now just need our politicians to also back British farming like never before."

How do you get involved in Back British Farming Day?

Commenting and sharing content using the hashtag #BackBritishFarmingDay and saying why you support farmers and growers.