Today is Back British Farming Day, a day when we come together to show our appreciation for the tireless efforts of British farmers who keep our country fed and our countryside thriving.
As someone who has always been a steadfast supporter of British farming, I know firsthand just how important these men and women are to our daily lives.
The growing challenges they face make it more vital than ever that we stand behind them.
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Katherine at Plurenden Manor Farm and Doug at Bank Farm, where I heard their personal stories—stories of passion, commitment, and hard work, but also of frustration. The challenges farmers face today are immense: from rising costs, worsened by the war in Ukraine, to unpredictable weather conditions and ever-changing regulations.
The war has severely disrupted global food supplies, leading to rising prices, and with Ukraine being a major grain producer for Europe, it’s clear that British farmers are also feeling the effects. This global instability underscores the crucial need to strengthen British farming to grow our own food. Supporting British agriculture is not just important—it’s vital for maintaining our national food security and ensuring we can meet our own needs independently.
Supporting British agriculture is not just important—it’s vital for maintaining our national food security and ensuring we can meet our own needs independently.
Over the years, the previous Conservative government made it a priority to back our farmers. When we left the EU and its Common Agricultural Policy, they created a farming strategy that reflected British needs, one designed to protect both our food production and our environment. The Conservatives recognised that, without proper financial support, many farmers simply wouldn’t be able to survive. They committed £1 billion to farming, ensuring our farmers had the resources they needed to adapt to the future and continue feeding the nation, even in the face of global crises.
Now, let’s look at Labour. Since taking office after the election this past July, Labour has failed to demonstrate the same level of understanding or commitment to the farming industry. Their manifesto contained just 87 words on farming—a shocking oversight for a party that claims to have the nation’s best interests at heart. The rural communities that keep our food supply ticking over have barely been given a second thought.
Instead of prioritising the needs of our farmers, Labour seems more interested in rewilding schemes and using precious agricultural land for solar farms. One notable example near where I live is the proposed Stonestreet Green Solar Farm, near Aldington in Ashford, Kent. Residents have been actively campaigning against this project, and I agree with their stance. We need to see more crops in our fields and fewer solar panels. Converting valuable farming land into a solar farm is the wrong approach, as it threatens our agricultural resources and undermines our food security.
Instead of prioritising the needs of our farmers, Labour seems more interested in rewilding schemes and using precious agricultural land for solar farms.
In my view, there are better solutions that could achieve our renewable energy goals without compromising agricultural land. For example, solar panels can be installed on the roofs of buildings, utilising existing structures without displacing vital farming land. Additionally, innovative approaches, such as installing solar panels on steel supports above car parks, can generate renewable energy while also providing practical benefits, such as shade for vehicles. These alternatives show that we can advance our green energy objectives while still protecting our farming heritage.
To say that Labour’s farming policy lacks vision is an understatement. At a time when farmers are facing unprecedented challenges—from inflation to the aftershocks of global conflicts—what they need is strong leadership and a clear plan for the future. The Labour government has so far failed to provide that, offering instead vague promises that do little to reassure the people who keep our food supply stable.
On Back British Farming Day, it’s important to remember that farming is about more than just food. It’s about protecting our countryside, sustaining our rural economy, and securing the future of our nation. British farmers have been the backbone of this country for centuries, and they deserve our full support—whether through government policy, consumer action, or national campaigns like this one.
British farmers have been the backbone of this country for centuries, and they deserve our full support—whether through government policy, consumer action, or national campaigns like this one.
So today, I’m asking everyone to get behind our farmers. Buy British produce, support your local farm shops, and make sure those in power know that we need policies that put our farmers first. The Conservatives have always understood the importance of farming to our national fabric, and as we move forward, we must continue to ensure that this vital industry gets the backing it needs.
For more on my visits to Plurenden Manor Farm and Bank Farm, where I spoke with the dedicated farmers, you can watch the interviews on my Facebook page. Their stories remind us all why we must fight to keep British farming at the heart of our country’s future.
About Matthew J. Bridger
Matthew J. Bridger is an award-winning entrepreneur, media figure, and campaigner, known for his innovative work in business, social impact, and community service. At just 24, he has already made significant strides across various sectors, including entrepreneurship, media, politics, and philanthropy. His achievements have been recognised with multiple awards including being named as the UK Prime Minister’s 2241st Points of Light Award Recipient under Rishi Sunak. He currently holds the positions of Councillor for Kennington Ward and Vice Chairman on Kennington Community Council and is Deputy Chairman of the Ashford Conservative Association as well as the Ashford Young Conservatives. Matthew has in the past served as a Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party to 4 MPs and 3 Conservative Associations and has also worked as a Senior Communications Advisor to a Member of Parliament.
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Main photo credit: Eaglestone
