Newly elected MPs signed up to learn about farming industry
6th August 2024
Newly elected MPs will be given a “unique opportunity” to get to know better the British food and farming industries in their constituencies and in Westminster.
The NFU’s new Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, in partnership with sponsoring organisations ABP UK, Agricultural Industries Confederation, Arla Foods, Barfoots, British Egg Industry Council and Fareshare will showcase the field and enable participating MPs to see first-hand how sustainable and affordable food gets from field to fork.
The 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.
New ‘champion MPs’
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The NFU engages with all political parties to ensure they understand the importance of boosting home-grown 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.
“We will provide those MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security.”
He added that the scheme is an extension of that campaigning work, designed to create “a new group of champion MPs” who will speak up in their constituencies and Westminster on some of the big issues impacting the industry.
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“Along with all our sponsor partners, we will provide those MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security and the growth and investment required for the future of British farming, so our farmers and growers can continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food alongside caring for the environment,” Mr Bradshaw added.
20 MPs from around the country have signed up for the programme. Check the list of names here.
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