“We’re proud to produce your food” will be the message from the British farming industry during this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.
Agriculture will have a prominent place in the 803rd procession on Saturday 10 November as the Worshipful Company of Farmers supported by the NFU, alongside leading farm machinery manufacturer Massey Ferguson, Red Tractor, the UK’s largest farm and food assurance scheme, and Surrey Docks Farm, take the Back British Farming message into the heart of the City of London.
This year’s entry led by Rosemary Carne, the newly installed Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, will feature a Massey Ferguson IDEAL 9T combine harvester, one of the most advanced combines on the market, a new Massey 6714S tractor and a hamper of food that will be presented to the new Lord Mayor, Peter Estlin.
The parade will also include eight young farmers, each chosen from the NFU’s regions for having made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural sector.
Worshipful Company of Farmers Master Rosemary Carne said: “With the generosity and support of the NFU, Massey Ferguson and Red Tractor Assurance, the Farmers Company’s 2018 entry is going to wow the London crowds with our impressive tractor, combine harvester and enthusiastic young farmers promoting our vibrant farming industry. We also know the Lord Mayor will enjoy his hamper containing the best of British produced, quality food.”
NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts said: “This will be the fifth year the NFU has supported the Worshipful Company of Farmers in the Lord Mayor’s show, an event which provides us with the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of British food and farming to millions of people and explain the crucial role of British farming and its place in the wider food industry.
“Our eight young farmers representing the NFU on Saturday will do a fantastic job as they all share a passion – playing a vital role in helping to produce safe, traceable and affordable food for us all to enjoy.”
Jim Moseley, Red Tractor chief executive, said: “The easiest way shoppers can Back British Farming is to look out for the Red Tractor logo when buying their food & drink, so to have an invitation to support the Worshipful Company of Farmers at this year’s show was of course, enthusiastically received. We have been inundated with farmers offering their support to spend the day flying the Red Tractor flag and so a big thanks to all the organisers and participants”.
Surrey Docks Deputy Farm Manager, Claire Elson, said: “We are delighted to represent British Farming and raise the profile of city farms with our team of livestock apprentices and junior volunteers processing in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.
“The farm has a long standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers and is thrilled to be invited to take part.”
Look out for the Worshipful Company of Farmers entry, number 45 in the procession, during the live BBC1 coverage of the Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 10 November from 10.45am.