The organisation rallied support in the build-up to September 12, now known as ‘Back British Farming Day’, and took to social media to stress the North-East’s important role in farming via a promotional poster which states that ‘£818m is the contribution agriculture in the North-East makes to the UK economy’.
Hexham’s MP Guy Oppermann also expressed his support for the campaign via Twitter by posting photos of himself with a ‘Love Lamb’ placard and a photo of him adding his signature to the Back British Farming board in 2017.
In his post, Mr Opperman said: “This week is #LoveLambWeek – delighted to get behind our #farmers + continue to support them and the amazing food that comes from #Northumberland”
Mr Opperman could also be seen in the photographs sporting the campaign’s wheat-pin, made from British wheat and wool, which symbolises the importance of British farming produce.
The NFU encouraged MPs across England to don the wheat-pins yesterday for the campaign day.
And for the first time, the Palace of Westminster was expected to serve approximately 9,000 “Back British Farming” meals throughout this week in all of its canteens.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “Back British Farming Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the unique role farmers play in feeding the nation and caring for the countryside.
“By wearing the wheat-pin badge, politicians are not only showing their support for British food and farming, but acknowledging that they have a part to play in shaping the future of domestic agriculture and food production.
“Decisions made in parliament must reflect the strategic importance of the food and farming sector to the nation.
“Farming is the backbone of life in Britain and it’s only right that it is put at the forefront of future policy so farmers can continue to produce safe, traceable and affordable food for the country.”
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