Dorset NFU chair warns food security at risk from farming neglect

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 16:35 · Archive

Dorset's NFU chair Tim Gelfs warned that food security and safety are at risk after agriculture received little attention in the Budget.

Dorset's National Farmers' Union chair Tim Gelfs has warned that food security and safety are at risk after agriculture was barely mentioned in the Budget. He emailed Dorset's rural MPs to discuss his concerns, saying the industry received little attention in either the Budget speech or opposition response.

Mr Gelfs said the industry has little political weight and might be ignored until a shock affected food supplies. He compared the risk to previous crises, including changes after the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and the Agriculture Act 1947, and to Covid, when the industry restructured quickly to help maintain supplies.

He warned that good work in Dorset, producing food whilst supporting nature and landscape recovery, could be lost during a crisis. Mr Gelfs called for action to prevent rising food inflation and protect food safety and security, saying: 'The whole industry is tired of poor policy, no clear leadership and empty promises.'

How it is being reported

• Dorset NFU chair warns food security is at risk after farming overlooked in BudgetDorset NFU chair warns food security and safety face risks after agriculture and the rural economy received little attention in the Budget.Bournemouth Echo · 29 Oct, 15:47
• Dorset NFU chair warns food security is at risk after farming overlooked in BudgetDorset NFU chair warns food security and safety face risks after agriculture and the rural economy received little attention in the Budget.Dorset Echo · 29 Oct, 13:22

In this story: Tim Gelfs · National Farmers' Union · Dorset · European Union

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