The NFU is kick starting its #YourHarvest campaign today and this year arable farmers are being asked to reach out to the public and MPs through social media to highlight the importance of a thriving crops sector in Britain. Charlotte Cunningham reports.

According to the NFU, growers can get involved by taking a short video to explain what they do and where their produce goes, showing the public how the cereals sector delivers for both food production and the environment.

Farmers can also ask their MP to back British arable farming through the development of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, the Agriculture Bill and a fit for purpose Environmental Land Management (ELM) policy, which is currently out for consultation.

“This year’s #YourHarvest campaign could not come at a more critical time for British farming. Our government is in the process of developing a number of key policies that will change how our industry works and we need to make sure our voices are heard,” says Matt Culley, NFU combinable crops board chairman.

“While many of our farms remain closed to the public and MPs due to coronavirus, we can still show them what we deliver for the economy, the environment and the nation, and how they can support a thriving crops sector into the future.

“Over the past couple of months we’ve seen the strength of public feeling on the food standards issue, but the conversation is often focused around chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef. Many people don’t realise that the UK is already importing crops that have been grown using pesticides and other products that are illegal here. And if this is replicated in future trade deals, it could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of British growers.

“We need to show the public and MPs why we deserve their support, and the #YourHarvest campaign is a fantastic opportunity to get out there and tell the story of the British arable sector.”

The NFU has also provided numerous infographics, an animation, a video and other resources that members can use to show the value of British arable farming.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the NFU website.