Council hosts event showcasing the best of farming in Buckinghamshire

Organised in partnership with the NFU (the UK’s largest farming organisation), the showcase was designed to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role local farmers and food producers play across Buckinghamshire and the wide range of products available, from fresh food and drink to hand dyed wool.

Councillors and council staff were able to view displays both inside and outside including samples of crops such as hay, straw, wheat, barley and oilseed rape, farm machinery and also lambs. NFU representatives were on hand to chat about farming, local food and why supporting local producers really matters.

Earlier this year Buckinghamshire Council approved a motion reaffirming its commitment to supporting the county’s farming community, recognising the essential role farmers play in food security, rural employment, environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.

One of the ways the council intends to fulfil this commitment is through work to re-establish traditional farmers markets in Aylesbury and High Wycombe as part of the monthly Sunday Market initiative later in the year.

Speaking after the event, Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council said: "Farmers in Buckinghamshire play a vital role of our county, contributing in so many ways to the local economy and the local community, so it is only right that we work with them to champion their efforts and support them to grow and thrive.

“The future introduction of new Farmers Markets in Aylesbury and High Wycombe is just one way we plan to do this, giving residents better and easier access to fresh local produce and helping to strengthen our rural economy.”