High profile names back farming charter

Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, is the latest politician to add his name to the National Farmers’ Union’s (NFU) Back British Farming charter, which has also been signed by Malton-born celebrity chef James Martin.

The charter aims to demonstrate how much enthusiasm there is for British food and why it is therefore important for the Government to create the conditions for farmers to flourish at a time of rapid population growth.

Mr Sturdy, who was a working farmer in York before being elected as a Conservative MP in May 2010, said: “With farming at the heart of Yorkshire’s rural economy, and underpinning Yorkshire’s tourism and food and drink industries, it is vital we have a thriving farming sector that can deliver the quality local food that people want, not to mention the landscapes and environment for which our county is famous.

“We know it has been a tough year for our farmers this year so I am delighted to get behind the Back British Farming charter. Government has a role to play in providing the right framework for the farming industry to thrive, allowing them to focus on the challenge of producing more food while still delivering on the environment. I for one certainly pledge to do all I can to ensure this happens.”

Mr Martin, a regular on the BBC as presenter of Saturday Kitchen, signed the charter while visiting NFU president Peter Kendall in London.

He said: “I was a pig farmer for 23 years and I make sure I serve British food in all of my restaurants.”

He currently runs his own restaurant inside The Talbot Hotel in Malton and added a second restaurant to his portfolio on Thursday with the opening of James Martin Manchester in the Manchester235 Casino.

Retail giant Waitrose and the Women’s Institute have also signed the charter.

Richard Pearson, the NFU’s new regional director, said: “We know the public wants access to more home-produced food and our farmers are up for the challenge of producing it. This charter is designed to articulate that desire and demonstrate the support for British farmers.”

To sign the charter, visit www.nfuonline.com/get-involved

Spreading the word

The Back British Farming charter was launched by the NFU in the wake of the horsemeat scandal and in response to figures that show the UK is only 62 per cent self-sufficient.

As part of York Food and Drink Festival, NFU representatives took their Let’s Talk Farming Roadshow to the city centre this week.

As well as a chance to sign the charter, it gave visitors the chance to see lambs, calves and chicks, try their hand at milking Annabelle the model cow, and take in a lively presentation by Lancashire farmer Johnny Ball.