NFU Conference 2026: Decline in food production must end now

Can the Government put its money where its mouth is and deliver its manifesto commitment for at least half of all food purchased across the public sector to be locally sourced?

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Building farming's resilience is critical, because if we do not, our ability to produce food here, and therefore our food security, our national security, and our economic growth, will be under threat. We need a clear Government ambition for homegrown food production, just as we have for other sectors."
Image:

NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Building farming's resilience is critical, because if we do not, our ability to produce food here, and therefore our food security, our national security, and our economic growth, will be under threat. We need a clear Government ambition for homegrown food production, just as we have for other sectors."

‘Years of declining food production must end now', was the message from NFU president Tom Bradshaw as he set the Government a challenge to unlock growth opportunities on-farm. In his address to NFU...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Tighten biosecurity before its too late, says Shadow Defra Minister

Tighten biosecurity before its too late, says Shadow Defra Minister

Alex Black
clock 13 July 2026 • 2 min read
Farming Matters: "Are governments listening or have they just learnt to say the right words?"

Farming Matters: "Are governments listening or have they just learnt to say the right words?"

Rory Hutchings, partner and head of agriculture and estates at HCR Law, discusses the current rhetoric on farming coming from Westminster and the Senedd in Wales.

clock 11 July 2026 • 4 min read
Gov scraps mandatory public consultation on data centres amid ongoing concerns for the countryside

Gov scraps mandatory public consultation on data centres amid ongoing concerns for the countryside

The changes are expected to cut pre-application time by up to 12 months and save developers £1 billion on major infrastructure projects

Mia Willemsen
clock 08 July 2026 • 3 min read