Back British Farming Day: Northumberland farmers to gather at Morpeth event
Northumberland farmers are inviting the public to join them in celebrating Back British Farming Day.
On Wednesday, September 9, farmers will gather outside Morpeth County Hall between 12pm and 2pm for a special event celebrating local food, farming and the people who produce it.
The event will feature a tractor display and a stall showcasing produce from local National Farmers Union (NFU) members, giving visitors the opportunity to meet local farmers, chat about the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and show their support for British farming.
New NFU analysis shows the UK's self-sufficiency has declined in 10 of 11 key food categories over the past three decades, while reliance on imported food continues to increase.
The NFU is calling on government to reverse this trend by setting ambitious food production targets and creating the conditions for farming businesses to invest with confidence.
NFU Northumberland County Chair Mac Young said: "Back British Farming Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the food produced by farming families across Northumberland and thank the public for the continued support they show our industry.
"We would encourage people to come along, meet their local farmers and learn more about how their food is produced. It is a chance to have a conversation about the work farmers do every day to provide high-quality food, care for the countryside and support rural communities.
"We are proud of the food we produce and the contribution farming makes to Northumberland's economy and environment. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we value and support homegrown food production."
The NFU says farmers are currently navigating a range of challenges, including one of the driest summers in recent decades, disease threats such as bluetongue, rising production costs, uncertainty surrounding future environmental schemes and ongoing pressure on profitability.
The NFU is urging government to recognise the importance of food security and create the conditions for farming businesses to invest, grow and continue producing nutritious food to high standards.
NFU Northumberland County Adviser Charlotte Dring said: "Northumberland's farmers and growers are proud to produce the food that feeds the nation while delivering for nature, rural communities and the wider economy.
"However, businesses need confidence if they are to continue investing for the future.”