Candidates standing in next month’s local elections have a big part to play in helping shape the future of British farming, according to the NFU.
Voters in England go to the polls on 7 May with more than 4,850 council seats across 134 local authorities up for grabs, and the farmers’ union believes the elections provide an ideal opportunity to shine a light on some of the challenges facing farmers, such as rising crime rates, planning bureaucracy and a lack of broadband and mobile connectivity.
Among the areas the NFU has identified for local government support, it called for local planning officers to be trained in agricultural operations and farm needs, ensuring consistent, informed decisions that support modern farming practices and diversified rural enterprises.
To tackle rural crime, it wants to see accessible waste disposal sites to help reduce fly tipping. Local governments should also ensure markets operating under the local authority are sufficiently regulated and licensed to prevent the sale of stolen goods.
On rural connectivity, it says persistent rural ‘not-spots’ should be addressed, with underserved rural communities invested in while avoiding the clustering of investment in already well-served areas.
Finally, the NFU called for at least 50% of the food councils require to be sourced from local farmers and growers.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “Decisions being taken by local authorities can have a direct and lasting impact on farm businesses and the communities they support. By championing pro-farming policies on areas such as planning, rural crime and the procurement of more British food, councils aren’t just supporting individual farming businesses – they can help turn the tide and shape the future of our industry by increasing our collective resilience.
“We are engaging with candidates to highlight the NFU’s Blueprints, which outline the urgent need to invest in our farmers and growers at a local level to deliver jobs, kickstart rural economic growth and ensure UK food security.
“It’s never been more important to have a resilient British food and farming system with farmers and growers at its heart. We look forward to working with all newly elected representatives to help create an environment for a thriving and profitable British farming industry.”