Overview

• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vows to back British farmers, highlighting food security as a key national priority and doubling funding for agricultural innovation.
• Sunak's outreach comes as Labour overtakes Conservatives among rural voters, with concerns over post-Brexit trade deals and agricultural policies.
• NFU President Minette Batters criticizes the government's approach, calling for a balance between environmental goals and food production.
• Farmers express mixed reactions to Sunak's promises, with some skeptical of Conservative commitment to the agricultural sector.
• Labour's low-key presence at the NFU conference raises questions about its policies and strategy towards farming communities.