A new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has formed with a focus on the pig and poultry sectors.
The APPG for Food Security will be chaired by Labour MP for York Outer Luke Charters, with Helen Morgan (Lib Dem, North Shropshire), former NPA chief policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst (Con, Bridlington and The Wolds), and Jim Shannon (DUP, Strangford), who chaired the previous version, the APPG for Eggs, Pigs & Poultry, serving as vice chairs.
The APPG was launched on Back British Farming Day last Wednesday by the NPA, the NFU, British Poultry Council and the British Egg Industry Council.
“APPGs are a form of informal cross-party group covering a specific policy or geographic area. While they have no formal status within parliament, most MPs are involved with APPGs and they are a useful way for external organisations to engage with an interested group of MPs are Peers,” said NPA senior policy adviser Tom Haynes.
He explained that the group’s formal purpose is to advocate for the eggs, pigs and poultry industries within Parliament. “Recognising the link between food security and national security, the APPG supports their role in feeding the nation and ensuring accessible and sustainable food for all. The APPG addresses the challenges and opportunities facing food producers across the UK,” he said.
During the meeting, the group discussed its vision for the year ahead where members expressed a desire not only to highlight the acute issues facing farmers on the ground, but also the factors effecting the food supply chain more broadly, those which ultimately impact our country’s food security, he added.
“Some of the topics discussed included biosecurity and borders, climate change, access to skilled staff and vets in abattoirs, all matters which are very important within the pig industry,” he said.