Pea harvester takes to streets of London

Londoners have been urged to “Back British Farming”, with a specially branded tractor and pea harvester joining the annual Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London last weekend.

The farming representation in the parade – now in its 801st year – was organised by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, backed by the NFU, and was the culmination of the sector’s push this year to “celebrate Great British food”.

This has included Back British Farming Day, Red Tractor Week and British Food Fortnight.

See also: Young farmers take countryside to London

This year’s entry also celebrated the international year of pulses, with 12 young farmers accompanying the PMC pea harvester, supplied by the Green Pea Company.

© Sam J Peat

“We have a great story to tell, so the parade is the perfect platform to celebrate and promote British farming,” said NFU president Meurig Raymond.

“It is an industry strategically important to our country – one that grows and produces the raw ingredients for the UK’s largest manufacturing industry, food and drink, worth £108bn to the UK economy.

“It also provides jobs for nearly four million people.”

Meurig Raymond (centre) at the Lord Mayor’s Show © Sam J Peat

The procession, which took place despite heavy rain, included 6,500 participants, 180 horses, 20 marching bands and a tank.