Industry urged to get behind Back British Farming Day on 13 September

The NFU is urging MPs to show support on Back British Farming Day by wearing the specially made badge
The NFU is urging MPs to show support on Back British Farming Day by wearing the specially made badge

The farming industry has been urged to get behind Back British Farming Day as an opportunity to demonstrate to the public the importance of farming.

Back British Farming Day will take place on 13 September, and is seen as a chance for the industry to demonstrate to MPs and the wider general public the importance of British farming.

With an industry worth £109 billion and employing 3.8 million people, the Brexit negotiations will be seen as a crucial time to back this growing industry.

The NFU has explained that the public can get involved by tweeting their local MP on the day and asking them to wear their #backBritishfarming wheat pin badge at Prime Minister's Questions.

Back British Farming day falls during this years Red Tractor Week (11 September to 19 September), which aims to raise awareness of UK food standards and to encourage consumers to look out for the logo.

Last year, the event saw then Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom and farming minister George Eustice both wearing the specially-made pin badge.

NFU Deputy President Minette Batters said it is "essential" that post-Brexit agriculture is seen as "strategically and politically important" in all future trade negotiations.

"But beyond that, we need government to ensure it is committed to supporting the long-term future of an industry worth £108bn to the economy and one which is responsible for putting so much British food on our plates," Miss Batters said.

"That’s why we have arranged the event in Westminster and I would urge as many MPs as possible to sign our pledge."