The agricultural sector in the United Kingdom stands at a critical juncture, as National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw highlights the urgent need for political parties to delineate policies that will support farmers in investing in sustainable food production. Addressing the pressing issues faced by the industry, Mr. Bradshaw has called for a significant increase in the UK agricultural budget to £5.5 billion annually. This investment is deemed essential for meeting environmental targets and bolstering sustainable agricultural practices.

Mr. Bradshaw emphasizes the necessity of measures to prevent the importation of food not produced to the standards legally required in the UK. He also advocates for the reform of planning rules to assist farming businesses in investing in infrastructure, such as glasshouses, to enhance productivity and sustainability.

As recent polling suggests Labour's growing influence in rural constituencies traditionally dominated by the Tories, Mr. Bradshaw asserts that "the rural vote is up for grabs." He urges that party manifestos should reflect concrete policies that will support the agricultural community. Despite both major parties acknowledging food security as a national security issue, Mr. Bradshaw warns that such statements are mere "warm words" without actionable policies to ensure their implementation.

Farmers have endured unprecedented challenges in recent years, with the war in Ukraine triggering significant inflationary pressures. Coupled with the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, farmers are experiencing some of the most exceptional conditions in a generation, including nine months of exceptionally wet weather starting from last harvest.

Confidence among farmers has waned, according to Mr. Bradshaw, who stresses the need for policies that will restore confidence and enable farm businesses to invest in both food production and environmental initiatives. "We are at an absolutely pivotal time," he told the PA news agency. He underscores the potential for agriculture to contribute to economic growth, particularly in rural communities, and to play a vital role in addressing climate change.

Mr. Bradshaw calls for a long-term commitment to the agricultural budget, which he describes as an "environmental budget" due to its focus on payments for public goods such as healthy soil, clean water, and habitats under the Environmental Land Management (ELM) system. He argues that the correct level of investment will facilitate the achievement of legislated environmental targets while supporting sustainable food production.

Focusing solely on environmental targets, he warns, could leave the UK’s food supply chains vulnerable. He advocates for an increase of over £2 billion annually from the level set for the last parliament to balance environmental goals with food production needs. He cautions against allowing food production to become subordinate to environmental objectives.

Mr. Bradshaw points to recent statements by Environment Secretary Stephen Barclay and shadow environment secretary Steve Reed, reiterating that food security is national security. However, he insists that meaningful policies must follow such declarations to ensure tangible outcomes.

Reflecting on his tenure since being elected as NFU president in February, Mr. Bradshaw reiterates that the rural vote remains highly contested. He highlights the importance of addressing water pollution, acknowledging the role of farming in contributing to poor water quality in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. He calls for substantial investment in infrastructure, such as slurry storage, to mitigate environmental risks and support future food security.

In conclusion, Mr. Bradshaw urges any government to embrace the opportunity to invest in the infrastructure and latest technologies needed to produce food sustainably. He believes that such a commitment will secure food security for the public and reinforce the vital role of agriculture in the UK's economic and environmental future.