Voters can help shape the future of farming

Candidates standing in next month's local elections have a big part to play in helping to shape the future of British farming, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has declared.

- STAFF REPORTER

Voters in England go to the polls on May 7, with more than 4,850 council seats across 134 local authorities up for grabs. The elections provide an ideal opportunity to shine a light on some of the huge challenges facing farmers in rural Britain.

Key areas identified by the NFU where local government support is most impactful include:

Planning: Ensuring local planning officers are trained in agricultural operations and farm needs, ensuring consistent, informed decisions that support modern farming practices and diversified rural enterprises;

Rural crime: Providing accessible waste disposal sites to help reduce fly-tipping. Ensuring markets operating under the local authority are sufficiently regulated and licensed to prevent the sale of stolen goods;