NFU Champions Hertfordshire's Farmers and Growers at the County Show

Strategic Insights -

The NFU (National Farmers' Union) is showcasing the vital contribution of farming to Hertfordshire's economy and community at this weekend's Hertfordshire County Show. With a marquee setup at the event, NFU members and staff will engage with visitors to discuss the challenges facing the farming industry and highlight the importance of supporting local farmers. NFU national Vice President Rachel Hallos and Hertfordshire Chair Robert Law will be attending the show to meet with farmers, growers, and the public.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NFU is working to address significant challenges in Hertfordshire, including the proposed family farm tax, escalating rural crime, and the impact of the US and EU trade agreements.
  • Defra figures show that farming contributes over £160m to the economy in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, and provides jobs for more than 2,500 people in Hertfordshire.
  • The NFU's Student and Young Farmer Ambassador Programme aims to give young farmers a strong voice in shaping the future of the industry, with a focus on attracting new talent and promoting the rewarding career opportunities in farming.
  • The NFU will be raising money at the show for farming support charities RABI and The Farming Community Network (FCN).
  • NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos will be attending the show on Sunday to meet with farmers, growers, and the public and thank them for their support.
  • NFU Hertfordshire Chair Robert Law will also be present, encouraging visitors to come over to the NFU marquee for a chat and highlighting the importance of addressing ongoing concerns about the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme.

Statistics:

  • Farming contributes more than £160m to the economy in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
  • The NFU estimates that phishing contributes jobs for more than 2,500 people in Hertfordshire.
  • Around 3,000 applicants were initially excluded from the SFI 2024 scheme before Defra reopened it after a group of NFU-backed farmers threatened litigation.
  • The NFU's Student and Young Farmer Ambassador Programme aims to encourage young people to consider a career in farming.

Sources:

  • "NFU ready for Hertfordshire County Show." (No date listed)
  • NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos is quoted in the article.
  • "Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's contribution to the economy." (Defra figures cited)
  • NFU Hertfordshire Chair Robert Law is quoted in the article.