NFU presidenT Minette Batters, who is to address this year’s Newsquest-backed Three Counties Farmer Awards in November, is urging politicians to put their words into actions and give Parliament a say on how future trade deals impact food and farming across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. She said:  “We are at a pivotal time for the future of farming and the food on our plates. “Nothing will determine this more than how the government shapes trade deals with countries around the world. “There is no doubt that the countries we are currently negotiating with are demanding access to our prized market for their agriculture products and, right now, a trade agreement could be signed with little parliamentary scrutiny. “This could result in a massive increase in the amount of food being imported that is produced in ways that would be illegal in this country. “Politicians have time and again stated that they will not allow this to happen. "There is now a clear solution on the table that will allow Parliament to be kept fully informed of the impacts any trade deal will have on the food we all consume. Time is running out. "Action has to be taken now, or all the warm words will be for nothing.” The TCF Awards is one of the highlights of the local agricultural calendar and Mrs Batters, who runs a mixed family farm in Wiltshire, made a scintillating speech at the 2019 event held on Malvern’s Three Counties showground. However, because of Covid-19, this year the awards will be in the format of a live online broadcast hosted by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. The awards celebrate outstanding work and creativity in the farming industry across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire and aim to provide public recognition of the hard work within the sector and the importance of it to the local community. Twelve categories will be contested including: Farm Conservation, Young Farmer (under 25) and Farming Hero. The awards are run by Newsquest's titles in the Three Counties region, including the Worcester News. For the full list of categories and how to make nominations, with the deadline looming, visit herefordtimes.com/awards/tcf/