National Farmers Union

Overview

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is the trade association and professional body representing farmers and growers across England and Wales. Established as a collective voice for agricultural producers, the NFU serves as both a campaigning organisation and a membership body dedicated to supporting the interests, livelihoods and professional development of the farming and growing community. It represents the diverse interests of members working across different farm types, scales and agricultural specialisms, from cereals and livestock to horticulture and mixed farming operations.

The NFU operates at the heart of agricultural policy and industry relationships, engaging with government, retailers, consumers and other stakeholders to influence decisions affecting farming viability and the rural economy. For farmers, growers and agricultural businesses, membership connects them to an established professional community with significant influence over their sector's future.

Who Should Join?

The NFU is relevant to farmers, growers and agricultural producers operating in England and Wales. This includes:

• Farm owners and farm managers across all farm types and sizes
• Commercial growers and horticultural producers
• Livestock farmers and producers
• Mixed farm operations
• Agricultural businesses and enterprises
• Younger farmers entering the industry
• Partners and family members involved in farm businesses

The NFU welcomes members at different stages of their farming careers, including established producers and those new to agriculture. Farmers operating on any scale who want professional representation, industry support and a collective voice in agricultural matters may find membership relevant to their business needs and professional standing within the sector.

Why Join?

Membership of the NFU offers farmers and growers direct access to representation and influence within their industry. The NFU actively shapes agricultural policy, negotiates with government, retailers and supply chain partners, and campaigns on issues affecting farming viability such as trade policy, regulation, environmental schemes and market conditions. By joining, members connect themselves to this collective advocacy and participate in an industry body with proven influence over decisions that directly impact their businesses.

For individual farmers and growers, membership provides practical support for managing and growing their operations, professional development opportunities, access to specialist knowledge, and connection to a trusted peer community facing similar business and practical challenges. The association helps members navigate industry changes, understand regulatory requirements, and access resources to improve business performance and resilience.

At an organisational level, membership demonstrates professional standing within the agricultural sector and connects farming businesses to an established professional community. It provides a platform for engaging with industry peers, learning from best practice across the sector, and accessing knowledge and support specifically designed for farming and growing businesses.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

NFU membership provides members with access to a range of professional services and support:

• Professional representation and lobbying — Members benefit from the NFU's engagement with government, parliament, regulators and supply chain partners on policy issues affecting farming, such as trade, regulation, environmental schemes, business rates and rural investment
• Technical advice and guidance — Access to specialist information and support covering farming practice, regulations, market conditions and business management
• Networking and peer communities — Connection to other farmers, growers and agricultural professionals, with opportunities to share knowledge and learn from peers facing similar challenges
• Events and training — Conferences, workshops, farm walks and professional development events designed for farmers and growers
• Specialist publications and resources — Farming news, updates on policy changes, market information and practical guidance relevant to members' operations
• Business support services — Resources and practical support for managing farming businesses, including information on schemes, grants and business resilience
• Member discounts and partnerships — Discounts on products and services of relevance to farming businesses

The specific benefits available vary depending on the membership category and level held, so prospective members should explore the current membership options on the NFU website to understand what would be most relevant to their circumstances.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The NFU holds a significant position within the agricultural sector as the main representative body for farmers and growers in England and Wales. The organisation plays an active role in shaping agricultural policy, setting industry standards and codes of practice, and representing farmers' interests in discussions over trade, regulation, the environment, rural development and farm viability.

Membership of the NFU demonstrates professional standing within the farming and growing community and connects individual farmers and businesses to an established professional body with a collective voice in their industry. Through membership, farmers and growers participate in a community actively influencing their sector's future direction, policy environment and commercial opportunities.

For further information about membership categories, eligibility and specific benefits, visit the NFU website at nfuonline.com or contact the organisation directly at Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2TZ, United Kingdom.