The two Welsh MPs, along with others from across England, have enrolled on the first ever National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and NFU Cymru Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme to gain an unparalleled insight into how the British food and farming sectors contribute to UK food security, the local and national economies and to the environment.
The scheme, launched in partnership with ABP UK, Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Arla Foods, Barfoots, British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) and Fareshare, will showcase the British food and farming industries and enable MPs to see first-hand how safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food gets from field to fork.
Itinerary
The year-long itinerary, will cover different farming sectors and concludes with a graduation dinner in Westminster where Fookes, Witherden and fellow MPs will be presented with a commemorative pin badge to recognise their work in building up an understanding and knowledge of British food and farming.
NFU Cymru political adviser Huw Thomas said: “Through the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, together with our partners, we will provide the MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to champion this fantastic industry in their own constituencies and in Westminster. They will then be able to campaign with us for the policies needed that allow our farmers and growers to continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food alongside caring for the great British countryside.”
Who has signed up?
MPs who have signed up to the NFU Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme from across Wales and England are:
- Callum Anderson, Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley
- Olivia Bailey, Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire
- Sam Carling, Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire
- Lee Dillon, Liberal Democrat MP for Newbery
- Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton
- Maya Ellis, Labour MP for Ribble Valley
- Catherine Fookes, Labour MP for Monmouthshire
- Julie Minns, Labour MP for Carlisle and North Cumbria
- James Naish, Labour MP for Rushcliffe
- Josh Newbury, Labour MP for Cannock Chase
- Andrew Pakes, Labour MP for Peterborough
- Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South
- Sarah Russell, Labour MP for Congleton
- Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon
- Dr Roz Savage, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds
- Rachel Taylor, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth
- Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove
- Michelle Welsh, Labour MP for Sherwood Forest
- Jo White, Labour MP for Bassetlaw
- Steve Witherden, Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr