The British Agriculture Bureau (BAB) is a Brussels-based lobbying organization representing the interests of UK farmers and growers at the European Union level. Established in 1972 when the UK joined the then European Economic Community (EEC), BAB serves as the permanent office for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) of England, NFU Scotland, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, and NFU Cymru, collectively representing around 70,000 members. BAB’s core mission is to promote and articulate the UK farming perspective within EU institutions and among European stakeholders. It achieves this through gathering and analyzing information, influencing policy development, networking, and building alliances.
BAB is a member of Copa-Cogeca, the European farmers’ organization representing 22 million farmers, which provides a platform to address trade and technical barriers affecting UK agriculture. The bureau works closely with the European Commission, EU governments, think tanks, and other stakeholder groups to identify and shape legislation impacting UK agriculture well before laws are enacted. BAB also advises UK Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on amendments to support British agriculture.
The organization’s lobbying activities include monitoring political developments, influencing legislative agendas, and maintaining high-level contacts within EU institutions. BAB has been noted for its critical stance during the coronavirus pandemic toward the EU’s green ambitions and climate neutrality goals. Financially, BAB’s lobbying expenditure was between €600,000 and €699,999 in the 2018-2019 fiscal year. It is the only UK farming lobby with a permanent base in Brussels, underscoring its strategic role in EU agricultural policy advocacy
