NFU provides new service to report how coronavirus impacts UK farming

 The organisation is leading a national response for government, representing all of UK agriculture and horticulture, to build a dynamic and up-to-date picture of the fast-moving impact of coronavirus on farmers and growers.

The new service will enable the NFU to collate information and inform ministers of the key issues arising from the outbreak and ensure farm business voices are heard from across the UK. The website will be signposted by government as part of its COVID-19 business support communications.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “We are living and farming through unprecedented times and it is vitally important we all work together to build a clear picture of the issues arising in food production and work with government, so ministers can respond quickly to resolve them. I’m constantly and acutely aware that our industry cannot be mothballed like other sectors, whether its ornamentals or liquid milk, farmers and growers are producing perishable products, all of which have a finite shelf life.

“We already know coronavirus is having a huge impact on the food and farming sector with disruption across the supply chain, concerns over on-farm labour, enormous price volatility and delays in payments.

“The NFU will be coordinating this effort on behalf of the farming industry across the UK, and I encourage all members and non-members from across agriculture and horticulture to please use the online form to log concerns. We will use this information to provide a daily overview to government of the business-critical issues farmers and growers are encountering, or expect to encounter, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I am extremely proud of all our farmers and growers who continue to work around the clock to produce food for the nation. The NFU will continue to liaise with government and all parts of the food industry to minimise the impact of coronavirus on our supply chains and ensure home-grown food gets to shelves and into homes during this challenging and difficult time.”