The message from the British farming industry will be loud and clear during this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London: We’re proud to produce your food.
Agriculture will take centre stage in the 802nd parade on Saturday (11 November) thanks to the Worshipful Company of Farmers, with its own independent entry in the show for the first time, supported by the NFU and agricultural machinery manufacturer New Holland.
The organisations will be highlighting the economic and environmental importance of farming, as well as its crucial role in helping to deliver food security for Britain.
This year’s entry led by Julian Sayers, the newly installed Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, will feature a New Holland T7.270 tractor, one of the most advanced and powerful tractors, and a CR8.80 combine harvester, equipped with a 20-foot header, showing full support for the Back British Farming message.
The procession will also include eight young farmers each representing the NFU’s regions. They were chosen after the NFU launched a nationwide search to find young farmers who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural sector.
Worshipful Company of Farmers Master Julian Sayers said: “The Lord Mayor’s Show is an ideal showcase to tell a largely urban audience about the importance of Britain’s farming industry to both food production and care for the countryside. Our livery Company’s purpose is to inspire, encourage and develop excellence in the management of UK agriculture. Thanks to the support of the NFU and New Holland, we will portray both the innovation of the industry and the passion of the farmers of the future.”
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We are extremely proud to be supporting the Worshipful Company of Farmers for the fourth year in a row at one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious pageants.
“The Lord Mayor’s Show gives us the perfect platform to explain about the importance of British farming – an industry that contributes £109 billion to the national economy and provides jobs for around four million people – and about our farmers and growers who are proud to produce quality, tasty and affordable food for everyone to enjoy.
“I also know the eight young farmers who have been chosen to take part will do a fantastic job as they all share a passion and an enthusiasm about what they do – playing a vital role in producing the nation’s food.”
Mark Crosby, Marketing Manager for New Holland UK and Ireland, said: “The Lord Mayor’s Show has a long tradition of showcasing the best of British. New Holland is a strong advocate of British manufacturing and our Basildon factory proudly produces British built tractors to export globally. It’s an honour to play a part in the procession and display our support for Britain’s hardworking food and farming industry.”