AIC partners with NFU on MP Fellowship Scheme to champion UK food supply chain
20 MPs elected at last month's General Election will join a collaborative new industry-led scheme that champions British food and farming in their local constituencies and Westminster.
The Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme is a partnership between the agri-supply trade association the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), the National Farmers Union (NFU) and other sponsoring organisations ABP UK, Arla Foods, Barfoots, British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) and the food waste charity Fareshare.
It is set to showcase the entire industry, from pre-farm suppliers such as animal feed manufacturers, agronomy groups, and seed breeders, through to producers and processors.
A series of business visits over the coming 12 months will allow the participating MPs to see firsthand how the UK supply chain works to produce food sustainably and understand why these businesses are essential to our national food security.
The year-long itinerary will cover different farming sectors and concludes with a graduation dinner in Westminster where each MP will be recognised for their work in building up an understanding and knowledge of the UK food and farming industry.
Ed Barker, AIC's Head of Policy & External Affairs, said: "2024 has seen a significant change in the UK political landscape. It is essential that new MPs appreciate the valuable role of the agri-supply industry in supporting productive, sustainable agriculture.
"AIC is pleased to be working closely with the NFU on the Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme. This will help to tell the story of the wider UK food and farming sector and build a deeper understanding of the entire food supply chain."
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "Along with all our sponsor partners, we will provide those MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to highlight the critical role of food security in delivering national security and the growth and investment required for the future of British farming."
MPs who have signed up to the Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme 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
ENDS
About AIC
As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.
Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.
Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.
AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.
AIC Services manages a range of services, including Trade Assurance Schemes and professional registers recognised by the UK Government as essential means to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security.
These schemes and professional registers include:
- Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC)
- Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)
- European Seed Treatment Assurance (ESTA)
- Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS)
- Feed Adviser Register (FAR)
- Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
- Forage Assurance Scheme (FAA)
- AIC Services Palm Oil Credit Scheme (APOCS)
*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.
Press Contact
Oli Hill, Head of Communications, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]
Author
Oli Hill
As Head of Communications, Oli creates and oversees the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media. A qualified multimedia journalist, he previously spent six years working at Farmers Weekly magazine as a Senior Reporter on the arable team, and latterly as Community Editor. More recently he was Communications Manager at Red Tractor.
