Farm Tour Highlights Food Industry Challenges To MPs

A cross-party group of MPs has visited a high-efficiency demonstration farm to gain practical insight into how sustainable, cost-effective food production operates across the UK supply chain, while discussing the current geopolitical challenges facing farmers and growers. 

Image: NFU

The visit on Friday 24 April formed part of the National Farmers’ Union’s (NFU) Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, an initiative designed to give policymakers direct exposure to agricultural production and supply chains.

Discussions during the visit addressed broad challenges relevant to the food sector, including rising production costs linked to geopolitical instability in the Middle East and the knock-on effects for UK growers and packers, in addition to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), and livestock policy reforms. 

The delegation of six parliamentarians toured a 380-acre mixed enterprise on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border, operated by ABP UK (Anglo Beef Processors), according to an NFU press release.

NFU Livestock Vice-chair Clare Wise described as “great” the opportunity for MPs to visit a farm to get a better understanding of the farming industry and see first-hand the essential role farmers play in feeding the nation. 

“It is crucial we remain in discussion with politicians so they have the knowledge they need to support UK farmers and growers, both in times of crisis as we are now with the war in the Middle East, and to create the right policy framework to underpin productive agriculture for the longer-term,” Wise explained. 

In-field sessions included conversations around the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which rewards environmental land management while enabling commercial output. 

The SFI approach is increasingly mirrored in horticulture through biodiversity, soil health and resource-efficiency measures.

The visit also highlighted how efficiency gains, sustainability practices and supply chain coordination contribute to overall food system resilience across the livestock and fresh produce industries alike. 

Policy changes affecting livestock management were also reviewed, alongside wider regulatory developments impacting farm operations.

Demonstrations and on-site discussions aimed to connect policy priorities with real-world farming and processing conditions.

ABP UK’s site combines livestock, grassland, and arable systems, and is used to showcase integrated farming approaches and productivity improvements. 

Expressing his keenness to support the NFU Food and Farming Fellowship Programme, Phil Hambling, Director of Agriculture and Sustainable Sourcing at ABP UK, emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement between industry and government.

“Through a full day of practical demonstrations and storytelling, we’re shining a light on the talent, expertise and passion behind producing high‑quality beef and lamb from farm to fork,” Hambling noted. 

“We know Westminster can sometimes feel far removed from the farm gate, and this programme helps strengthen connections between those shaping policy and the day‑to‑day realities faced on farm and in our factories.”

The Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, launched in 2024, is supported by a range of agri-food organisations spanning multiple sectors, with the goal of strengthening understanding between policymakers and primary producers across the UK food chain.