November saw the seventh annual Back British Farming Day with support across Westminster, says NFU county advisor Gemma Harvey
On Wednesday 2nd November, the NFU hosted the seventh Back British Farming Day at Westminster. Throughout the year we ask MPs to show their support for farming, and Back British Farming Day is a chance to celebrate all things great about the British agricultural industry, with politicians, NFU members and the public.
As part of the day, the union asked MPs to wear the NFU’s iconic lapel badge to show their support for British farming. During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) a sea of wheatsheaf badges could be seen on MPs’ lapels on both sides of the chamber, signifying their support for the role that British farmers play as food producers and caretakers of our environment.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced his support for British farmers and everything they do for our rural communities both during PMQs and on social media. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also showed his support for the day by wearing the wheatsheaf badge throughout PMQs.
On social media thousands of farmers and members of the public posted photos and messages to say why they value British farming so highly, the hashtag #BackBritishFarmingDay reached more than six million people, helping us trend at number five on Twitter in the UK.
As part of the day, the NFU hosted a breakfast reception in the Houses of Parliament, with more than 100 parliamentarians in attendance, including North Dorset’s Simon Hoare MP. During the reception, the regional winners of the NFU’s Community Farming Hero awards were announced. DEFRA Secretary of State Therese Coffey and Farming Minister Mark Spencer presented the awards. The Community Farming Heroes, farmers who have gone above and beyond for their communities, were nominated by their MPs. A wealth of nominations were received from across the South-West region, with Andrew and Alison Musson declared the winners.
Beef and sheep farmers from Devon, the couple foster children and have played an invaluable role in providing a safe and supportive home for some of Devon’s most vulnerable children.
Over the years they have looked after around 90 children.
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