Invite politicians to visit your farm

Sir, – Last week’s farm to fork summit at Downing Street has put a spotlight on the importance of food and farming within our economy and bringing together individuals across the whole supply chain, including a number of our food producers.

Ahead of the summit, Rishi Sunak’s open letter to British farmers reiterated the government’s support for our industry stating, “you feed the nation, you are the guardians of our precious countryside, and your success is fundamental to our national success”.

He concluded his opening address on the day by saying “by backing British farming, back all of you, unequivocally and unapologetically, we can deliver the food security we need, we can grow our economy and, more importantly, we can enable the whole world to feast on the very best of British”.

And while I very much commend those who organised the event, and I was particularly delighted to represent Leaf (Linking Environment and Farming) and be part of the plenary discussion on sustainability, I believe that most politicians are still too far removed from what is happening on-farm.

Every year, hundreds of farmers across Britain open their farms to the public for farming’s annual open day, Leaf Open Farm Sunday (LOFS), to demonstrate our high welfare standards, implementation of technology and science, care for the environment and biodiversity, preservation of the countryside, and advancements of new innovations.

This year Leaf Open Farm Sunday is on Sunday June 11, and I call for all politicians who are currently talking or engaging with food and farming to take the time to visit a local farm, speak to the farmers and get a real grasp on what is happening, so they can truly understand what an incredible job farmers do.

As important, it is a chance to hear about the challenges the sector is facing, from labour shortages and production costs, to changing legislation, making future planning difficult and high risk.

To the farmers who have yet to register for LOFS, I understand a full open day may not be for you but this year, when we have real potential to influence political decisions, why not take part with a simple farm walk and invite just a few guests, including your local councillor or MP.

The more farms that open, the greater the positive impact for British agriculture.

Philip Wynn.

Leaf chairman.