Candidates standing in next month’s local elections have a big part to play in helping to shape the future of British farming, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
With voters in England set to go to the polls on May 7, the NFU believes that the upcoming elections provide “an ideal opportunity to shine a light on some of the huge challenges facing farmers in rural Britain.”
There will be more than 4,850 council seats across 134 local authorities up for grabs during this election.
The NFU outlined the following key areas for local candidates to support:
- Planning – Local planning officers should be trained in agricultural operations and farm needs to ensure consistent, informed decisions that support modern farming practices and diversified rural enterprises;
- Rural crime – Waste disposals sites need to become more accessible to help reduce fly-tipping;
- Rural connectivity – Rather than investing in already well-served areas, rural communities with a lack of broadband and mobile connectivity should be targeted instead;
- Food procurement – Candidates have been urged to procure atleast 50% of the food that the council requires from local farmers and growers.
While describing farming as the “backbone of Britain’s rural economy”, NFU president Tom Bradshaw warned that confidence within the sector remains “severely low”.
Bradshaw said: “Farm businesses are under extreme cost pressures for feed, fuel and fertiliser, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, starting with the invasion of Ukraine and most recently the war in the Middle East, coupled with unpredictable climate and extreme weather all impacting on our ability to produce food.
“Decisions being taken by local authorities can have a direct and lasting impact on farm businesses and the communities they support.
“We look forward to working with all newly elected representatives to help create an environment for a thriving and profitable British farming industry,” he added.
Wales
Meanwhile, with the 2026 Senedd election in Wales also set to take place on May 7, NFU Cymru has placed a strong focus on delivering a clear strategy for growth within Welsh agriculture.
NFU Cymru president Abi Reader said: “In a world which is increasingly volatile and unpredictable, there is now an important opportunity to make sure Welsh agriculture, the food we produce, the jobs we support and the landscape we care for are all at the front and centre of this election campaign, which will see 96 MSs elected from across 16 new constituencies.”
Before polls open up, the union is highlighting its Growing Forward manifesto, alongside a series of case study videos featuring short clips of farmers outlining the challenges facing the sector and potential policy solutions.
A central ask includes the development of a comprehensive farm-to-fork strategy, aimed at supporting sustainable growth while ensuring the supply of safe, high quality and affordable food.
The farming union has also organised a hustings event online on April 27, which will will be open to all NFU Cymru members and will feature the agriculture and rural affairs spokespeople from the various parties running in the upcoming election.