Policy

Bioenergy
Bioenergy, which can be defined as energy generated from renewable biomass (i.e. living plants and plant components), is one of the key weapons in the battle against global warming. The NFU believes that agriculture can offer solutions to climate change in the form of Bioenergy, through Biofuels, Biomass and Biogas.
Learn about our Bioenergy work

Policy Board
Policy Board is made up of the Chairman of the six Commodity Board and Officeholders and is key in forming policy priorities. It is a decision making board, meeting every six weeks to discuss and make recommendations on cross cutting issues affecting all sectors.
Learn about our Policy Board work

Animal and plant health
The good health of animals and plants is essential for farming to be sustainable. We must protect our crops from pests and diseases, prevent our livestock from getting ill, and have the capacity to effectively treat them. This is critical not just for agriculture but for the protection of public health. When this fails it can be devastating for the British countryside.
Learn about our Animal and plant health work

Economic affairs
Economics provides economic advice on a range of policy and market related issues, working very closely with other policy advisers in HQ, BAB and regions. This is crucial for the work of the organisation, given the growing emphasis on market focus, the increased use of economics instruments in the regulatory arena and the importance of financial issues for our members.
Learn about our Economic affairs work

Employment
This section provides you with information relating to Agricultural Wages Board, Gangmasters and other employment related issues.
Learn about our Employment work

Environment
The Environment team is responsible for the development and implementation of a range of environmental policy areas including wildlife and biodiversity, water, soil conservation, climate change and waste.
Learn about our Environment work

Health & Safety
This section provides you with information relating to health and safety, legislation, requirements and any other health and safety issues.
Learn about our Health & Safety work

Hill farming
Hill farming continues to top the agenda in the NFU. The English uplands cover a total of 2.2million ha (17% of the total area of England). Agricultural production in the English uplands is significant, some 40% of beef cows and 45% of breeding sheep are found in the uplands. These sheep and cows play a significant role in shaping landscapes, communities and the economy of the English uplands.
Learn about our Hill farming work

Legal News
The Legal Affairs section contains articles on various legal issues relevant to those working in the agricultural sector, written by the NFU Legal Affairs Team. Members with specific queries can obtain free initial legal and professional advice by calling NFU Call First on 0870 845 8458.
Learn about our Legal News work

Organics
Organic farming is a growing sector of agriculture which relies far less on synthetic inputs than conventional farming. The NFU regards organic agriculture as complimentary to conventional, and organic food production provides a useful alternative to mainstream agriculture, for farmers and consumers. The NFU supports the Organic Action Plan for England and is represented on a number of groups and committees relating to organic farming.
Learn about our Organics work

Regulation
A large amount of the work of the NFU is related to regulations. Many of these are to do with food, from controlling contamination to food labeling, and they have impacts across all agricultural sectors and right along the food chain. 'Better regulation' is very high on the NFU's agenda and we are actively involved in holding government to its promises to reduce regulatory burden.
Learn about our Regulation work

Science
Science and research relevant to UK agriculture is critical for the sustainability of the industry. This can not only provide technological solutions to challenges facing the industry, but also forms the basis of the evidence-based policy-making the NFU is always calling for.
Learn about our Science work

Single Payment Scheme
The NFU has a dedicated team that covers the Single Payment Scheme. This team is responsible for informing members of latest developments on the Single Payment Scheme including set-aside and cross compliance. NFU members can obtain individual support and guidance on the Single Payment Scheme through our network of regional offices, staff in headquarters and the Callfirst helpline (0870 845 8458).
Learn about our Single Payment Scheme work

Tenant farming
The NFU has, and continues to defend the rights of tenants. This is carried out through our network of regional offices, staff in headquarters and the Callfirst helpline (0870 845 8458). If you are concerned about a rent review or other notice, then come in the first instance to the NFU for first advice. If appropriate we can then direct you to additional places for further advice. In addition the NFU meets with large landowners to discuss issues of concern to tenants, as well as representing tenant’s interests in relevant consultations.
Learn about our Tenant farming work