NFU joins forces with police to focus on farm safety and rural crime
Farm safety and security were put firmly under the spotlight when the NFU joined up with the police and other groups at an industry event in Newark.
Around 150 farmers, growers and industry representatives were at the Farm Safety Event at Newark Showground on 21 January to look at ways to stay safe on farm and consider rural crime and its prevention.
The day was hosted by the NFU, Newark Showground, Newark & Notts Agricultural Society, Nottinghamshire Police and county Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden.
Delegates took part in interactive demonstrations and heard talks from a range of guest speakers on ways to help boost safety and security on farm, as well as support employees.
The NFU is a member of the Farm Safety Partnership and Deputy President David Exwood has strongly advocated for smart working practices on farm to help prevent injuries and fatalities.
Elizabeth Halsall, Newark & Notts Agricultural Society events and development manager said she was pleased to add their support to help those in the industry.
“Too many lives are lost to preventable accidents, and every farmer and worker should finish their day and get home safely,” she said.
During the day delegates discussed on-farm security, intelligence gathering and the latest laws and regulations around agricultural machinery to help everyone stay compliant and safe on the road.
Gabriella Gregory, NFU Nottinghamshire county adviser, said: “There is nothing more important than keeping you and those around you safe on farm, so we were delighted to be able to team up with our partners to bring farm safety and security under one roof.
“I thought it was great to see so many farmers there and I hope they got a lot from it as there was lots of practical advice to help them boost farm safety and security at home.”
Farmers were also able to speak to the police about the challenges and they met members of the off-road bike team, the neighbourhood team, road policing team and others.
Rural Watch was also introduced at the event to help give communities a direct role in safeguarding farms and villages - the service sees people share information about crimes in rural areas with police officers.
Andrew Huddleston, of the National Rural Crime Unit, Sam Durham, NFU lead on rural crime, and Gary Godden, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, also took part in a panel discussion on prevention.
Mr Godden said: “I understand the feelings of isolation within the rural community, and I aim to ensure residents are familiar with their neighbourhood team and know how to reach them.
“I want rural residents to be confident in reporting crimes to the police, assured that appropriate actions will be taken.”
The Farm Safety Event was sponsored by NFU legal panel firm Wilkin Chapman Rollitts and Notts Fire & Rescue Service.
The NFU continues to champion for stronger protections for farmers in isolated rural communities through a range of lobbying work on machinery and farm theft to hare coursing, fly-tipping, livestock worrying and other crimes.
Farmers area also working with the police, reporting incidents and feeding in essential intelligence to crackdown on crime.