Witham MP Priti Patel has shown her support for British farming at Back British Farming Day in Westminster, recognising the crucial role farmers play in producing food and caring for the countryside.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) provided MPs with a Back British Farming wheat-pin badge to publicly display their support for the sector during Brexit negotiations and beyond leaving the EU.
Farming is the bedrock of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – which contributes over £110 billion to the economy andemploys 3.8 million people.
Priti Patel MP said: “I am immensely proud to wear the Back British Farming pin badge today in support of a sector that is so valuable to the country. Across the Witham constituency and throughout Essex we have some brilliant farmers and food producers. They work incredibly hard and play a unique role in securing a plentiful supply of fabulous British food, looking after our iconic countryside and sustaining a dynamic rural economy.
“As Britain leaves the European Union we have an unprecedented opportunity to reform the rules and regulations that have held our farmers back. I am working with local farmers and food producers to look at the new opportunism to help farmers and to export our great food across the world.
“Food production is a vital part of everyday life and impacts on us all. I would encourage all MPs and members of the pubic to get behind this important campaign and Back British Farming.”