Launched in 2024 in collaboration with ABP UK, AIC, Arla Foods, Barfoots, British Egg Industry Council and Fareshare, the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme showcases the industry to MPs and provides the opportunity to better their understanding of UK farming and food.

A group of five parliamentarians visited Barfoots’ family-owned Sefter Farm on Friday 3rd July and heard how the business will harvest 4,500 acres of sweetcorn and 300 acres of courgettes planted this year, as well as having the chance to pick their own tenderstem broccoli.

They also learned about sustainable farming methods used at Barfoots, including taking a look around the farm’s water treatment plant and new reservoir. They also visited its sweetcorn factory, gaining insight into the journey from farm-to-fork.

During the visit, MPs discussed key issues facing growers with NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett, including planning barriers, supply chain relationships and a lack of long-term certainty for seasonal worker visas.

NFU said it continues to work closely with Government to tackle the challenges facing the sector, including through Defra’s development of a horticulture Sector Growth Plan via the Farming and Food Partnership Board, aimed at boosting productivity, profitability and food security.

“Getting MPs out on farm really helps them to understand the challenges facing the sector.”

NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett, who is also a West Sussex grower, said: “Engaging with politicians and policy makers on days like this is so important.

“Getting MPs out on farm really helps them to understand the challenges facing the sector and the vital role growers play in producing the nation’s food, driving the economy and supporting rural communities.

“As Government and industry work to develop a sector growth plan for horticulture, we would encourage all businesses in the sector to take part in the NFU’s survey and share their views. This feedback will help to shape a plan that build resilience into the horticulture sector, boosts domestic food production and puts the country’s growers at its heart.”

Julian Marks, group CEO at Barfoots, said: “Barfoots is at the sharp end when it comes to climate change, the effects of geopolitical events and changing sentiment towards farming and food production.

“Engaging with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum enables us to showcase the work we are doing to protect and enhance the environment whilst putting healthy nutritious vegetables onto plates every day. It was a pleasure to show this highly engaged group of MPs around our operations.”

The MPs in attendance were:

• Chris Bloore MP (Labour, Redditch)
• Ben Goldsborough MP (Labour, South Norfolk)
• Josh Fenton-Glynn MP (Labour, Calder Valley)
• John Milne MP (Liberal Democrat, Horsham)
• Brian Mathew MP (Liberal Democrat, Melksham and Devizes)