NFU cancels stands at major party conferences

In a quiet yet pointed move, the NFU has chosen not to hire an exhibition stand at this autumn’s Labour Party conference – a decision that reflects growing frustration with the direction of UK agricultural policy.

As a further demonstration of its position as an apolitical lobbying organisation, the union has also decided not to exhibit at the Conservative Party’s autumn conference.

Traditionally a fixture in the political conference season, the NFU’s absence from the exhibition halls of the two main parties will be conspicuous.

See also: £5.6bn needed to support UK food security, NFU warns

The move comes amid growing concern within the farming community about the Labour government’s stance on agriculture – especially the party’s decision to impose a farm inheritance tax beginning in April 2026.

Other Labour policies that have raised widespread concern among farmers include the suspension of new applications to the Sustainable Farming Incentive – a central pillar of the Environmental Land Management scheme – significant reductions to Basic Payments, and higher employer costs and taxes.

“The optics of Labour MPs holding ‘I’m backing British farming’ signs while proposing damaging policies are unacceptable,” an NFU source told Farmers Weekly, adding that “there is a disconnect between message and reality”.

It is understood that the NFU’s decision is driven by both political and financial considerations. With its budget under strain, sources suggest the union determined that the steep cost of exhibition space was untenable, particularly given the uncertain political support for British farmers.

By not hiring stands, the NFU also avoids appearing to endorse a particular party, a critical concern during a period of heightened political scrutiny.

NFU statement

In a formal statement, an NFU spokesperson clarified the union’s strategy.

“The NFU will be attending and hosting events at all three main political party conferences this year, as always, represented by both staff and officeholders,” said the spokesperson.

“The only difference this year is that we will not have stands in the exhibition halls at either the Conservative or Labour events.

“Instead, we’re organising new events which we think will be more effective in lobbying the government and MPs on the critical issues for our industry.”

The Labour Party conference will take place from 28 September to 1 October in Liverpool, followed by the Conservative Party conference in Manchester from 5-8 October.

The Liberal Democrats will host their autumn conference in Birmingham from 20-23 September.

Reform UK has not announced details of its own autumn conference.