NFU launches new service to measure Covid-19’s impact on farming

The website will be signposted as part of the Government’s Covid-19 business support communications.

The organization is representing the entirety of UK agriculture and horticulture as a national response for Government, informing ministers of the key issues arising as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19 and ensuring that businesses within these industries are heard.

Farmers and growers across the UK, whether or not they are members of the NFU, are invited to highlight the impact of Coronavirus on their business here.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “We are living and farming through unprecedented times and it is vitally important we all work together to build a clear picture of the issues arising in food production and work with government, so ministers can respond quickly to resolve them. I’m constantly and acutely aware that our industry cannot be mothballed like other sectors, whether its ornamentals or liquid milk, farmers and growers are producing perishable products, all of which have a finite shelf life.

“We already know coronavirus is having a huge impact on the food and farming sector with disruption across the supply chain, concerns over on-farm labour, enormous price volatility and delays in payments.

“The NFU will be coordinating this effort on behalf of the farming industry across the UK, and I encourage all members and non-members from across agriculture and horticulture to please use the online form to log concerns. We will use this information to provide a daily overview to government of the business-critical issues farmers and growers are encountering, or expect to encounter, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I am extremely proud of all our farmers and growers who continue to work around the clock to produce food for the nation. The NFU will continue to liaise with government and all parts of the food industry to minimise the impact of coronavirus on our supply chains and ensure home-grown food gets to shelves and into homes during this challenging and difficult time.”