Today’s the day to get behind our farmers by backing British

By James Peck, regional communications adviser, NFU East Midlands

ALLOW me to introduce myself. I’m James, the new regional communications adviser for NFU East Midlands.

Readers of this column may be used to hearing from my wonderful predecessor, Alison Pratt, who has decided to semi-retire and move on to pastures new (pun absolutely intended). I’ve certainly got big wellies to fill!

It’s great to be on board with the NFU after 16 years as a newspaper reporter just over the county line in Nottinghamshire. I’m East Midlands through and through and have a huge respect for the people who work so hard in this region’s diverse farming industry.

In this article I want to talk about Back British Farming Day, taking place today.

This hugely important event for the industry sees the NFU and farmers up and down the country pull out all the stops to get the farming message out to as many people as possible – including key decision makers in Westminster.

Politicians demonstrate their support for farmers by wearing a Back British Farming wheat-pin badge, made from British wheat and wool to symbolise the importance of food and farming in Britain.

And for the first time, the Palace of Westminster serves around 9,000 Back British Farming meals throughout this week in all of its canteens to celebrate the fabulous food produced by British farmers.

MPS attended the NFU’S breakfast reception in Westminster on the day itself too.

As NFU president Minette Batters says: “Farming is the backbone of life in Britain and it’s only right that it is put at the forefront of future policy so farmers can continue to produce safe, traceable and affordable food for the country.”

There’s no doubt the politicians got our message loud and clear!

We also encourage members of the public to join in the celebration and take to social media to show their support for British farming by using the hashtag #Backbritishfarming and Twitter and Facebook will be awash with support for farmers and the work they do.

But this is far from a one-day thing. Backing British farming and highlighting its enormous importance to the country is easy to do all year round. Here’s how:

Buy British produce – find out where you can buy what’s delicious and British by visiting www.nfuonline.com and look out for the Red Tractor logo with a union flag to know you are buying quality British food.

Think seasonal: Our website also has a seasonality chart allowing you to find out when British fruit and veg are at their best.

Spread the word: Tell friends and family why it’s so important to back British farming. Ask them to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up to our monthly enewsletter via the website.