Local Councils Urged To Back Farming For Food Security

The NFU is calling on next month’s local election candidates to put British farming on the agenda, highlighting planning, rural crime, connectivity, and public food procurement as key areas where the sector needs support.

Ahead of the 7 May 2026 polls, the national farmers’ union argues that council decisions can have a direct impact on farm businesses, and, ultimately, play a major role in shaping a resilient British food and farming system.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said in a press release that the decisions being taken by local authorities can have a “direct and lasting impact” on farming businesses and the communities they support. 

“By championing pro-farming policies on areas such as planning, rural crime, and the procurement of more British food, councils aren't just supporting individual farming businesses – they can help turn the tide and shape the future of our industry by increasing our collective resilience,” Bradshaw pointed out.

NFU Sets Out Local Asks

Appealing to candidates, the NFU said councils and regional mayors can support British farming through more informed planning decisions, stronger action on rural crime, and better support for rural connectivity. 

NFU also wants councils to procure at least half of the food they buy from local farmers and growers.

The key areas identified by NFU where local government support is most impactful include:

• Planning: Ensuring local planning officers are trained in agricultural operations and farm needs, ensuring consistent, informed decisions that support modern farming practices and diversified rural enterprises.

• Rural crime: Providing accessible waste disposal sites to help reduce fly-tipping. Ensuring markets operating under the local authority are sufficiently regulated and licensed to prevent the sale of stolen goods.

• Rural connectivity: Targeting persistent rural ‘not-spots’ and underserved rural communities and avoid clustering of investment in already well-served areas.

• Food procurement: Procuring at least 50% of the food the council requires from local farmers and growers.

The union said these measures would help deliver jobs, support rural economic growth, and strengthen UK food security.

Sector Confidence Low

The timing is crucial, according to NFU’s Bradshaw, since confidence in the sector remains “severely low”, with farmers and growers facing cost pressures from feed, fuel and fertiliser, alongside geopolitical uncertainty and extreme weather. 

“It’s never been more important to have a resilient British food and farming system with farmers and growers at its heart,” he commented. 

“We look forward to working with all newly elected representatives to help create an environment for a thriving and profitable British farming industry.”

Produce Trade Gains

For the fresh produce and wider food trade, the NFU’s message underlines the growing link between local government policy and domestic supply chains. 

Planning decisions, procurement choices, and rural infrastructure all affect how easily British growers can invest, expand, and supply the market.

The union believes local elections are a chance to secure practical commitments from candidates rather than broad political statements. 

That makes this campaign relevant not just to growers, but to suppliers, distributors, and retailers who all rely on a stable homegrown base. 

Read NFU’s vision here.