The challenges facing Northumberland farmers during the crisis - including some you may not have considered

A leading farming representative in the North East is calling for the industry to pull together to get through these ‘extraordinary times’.
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Farming and how it links into food production and wider supply chains is perhaps more crucial than ever at the moment, but like all other sectors, agriculture is facing challenges as it adapts to the coronavirus crisis.

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The NFU’s regional director for the North East, Adam Bedford, writes: “As we all start to come to terms with the new reality of our working and home lives, it is clear that farmers have a big job ahead producing enough high-quality British food to meet unprecedented demand. Nationally, a big area of concern has been the resilience of the food supply chain, given how interlinked it is getting food from farm to fork.

Field of corn
 Picture by Jane ColtmanField of corn
 Picture by Jane Coltman
Field of corn Picture by Jane Coltman
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“As has become clear in recent days, there are several ‘pinch-points’ along the way. On farm we are already seeing horticultural growers in need of more staff, and livestock markets affected by ‘public gathering’ restrictions.

“The supply chain also has a massive challenge diverting food from cafés, pubs and restaurants – which normally provide a third of the food we eat – into the retail sector for people to use at home.

“The NFU is a key member of the Food Resilience Industry Forum that meets daily and we aim to help resolve these issues, which frankly, are unprecedented. It’s good to see everyone pulling together on this with a common goal.

“We are also speaking daily with the Treasury and No 10 officials, along with the wider business community, to tease out the many other issues affecting farmers on the ground.

Adam Bedford, NFU regional director for the North East.Adam Bedford, NFU regional director for the North East.
Adam Bedford, NFU regional director for the North East.
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“We have been contacted by huge numbers of farmers and growers across the country trying to understand the new restrictions and how their farming businesses are affected. We have also been working to make it easier for farmers to get the job done – especially given the very challenging weather conditions we experienced this winter.

“We are also trying to encourage cooperation from the many members of the public taking exercise in the countryside, with members reporting record numbers of walkers. We are urging people to follow the Government guidance and maintain social distancing requirements, especially where paths go near or through farmyards.

“We are working with the police to clarify why farmers and farm workers are travelling at this time of year. We’re working with the Government to understand how business support from the Chancellor fits with farming and we are working to highlight any increases in rural crime. Finally, we’re regularly updating our coronavirus hub on our website.

“These waters are completely uncharted, but I hope by pulling together and being kind and considerate to each other, we will all pull through these extraordinary times. Please take care of yourselves, follow the health guidance and know that the NFU is here to support you.”

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Nationally, the farmers’ union has launched a new online service aimed at capturing farm business issues in a bid to build a dynamic and up-to-date picture of the fast-moving impact of coronavirus on farmers and growers.

President Minette Batters said: “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 agricultural 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.”

She added: “I am extremely proud of all our farmers and growers who continue to work around the clock to produce food for the nation.”