A British MP is set to advocate for the country's food and farming industries.
Peterborough MP, Andrew Pakes, will join the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, where he'll learn about the sectors' contributions to UK food security, the economy, and the environment.
The programme, launched alongside several partners such as ABP UK, the Agricultural Industries Confederation and Arla Foods, aims to demonstrate how UK-produced food moves from field to consumer's plates.
Participating MPs will explore various farming sectors throughout the year-long scheme, culminating in a graduation dinner in Westminster.
Mr Pakes said: “As a newly elected MP, I’m extremely proud to sign up to the NFU’s Fellowship Scheme and demonstrate my full support to our incredible farmers and growers across the Peterborough constituency who do a fantastic and valuable job in providing us with high-quality food alongside caring for our much-loved countryside."
He further highlighted farming's significant monetary impact, sharing that "In 2022, farming’s economic output in East Anglia was valued at £3.5 billion which contributed £1.3 billion of Gross Value Added to East Anglia."
Towards the end of his statement, Mr Pakes conveyed his enthusiasm about participating in the scheme.
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He said: “I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and learning and understanding much more about some of the big issues impacting the British food and farming sectors."
NFU East Regional Director, Zoe Leach, said: “Through the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, together with our partners, we will provide the MPs with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to be able to champion this fantastic industry in their own constituencies and in Westminster.
"They will then be able to campaign with us for the policies needed that allow our farmers and growers to continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food alongside caring for the great British countryside.”
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