The meeting, organised by the Wirral branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) gave farmers a chance to put their points to the politicians at a time when the agriculture industry on the Wirral is facing a number of challenges including market volatility, lack of investment, distorted competition from European neighbours and the threat of animal disease.
Commenting on the visit Miss McVey said “Farmers in Wirral West play a huge role both locally and nationally and are leading the way with innovative programmes particularly with dairy farming. I was delighted that the Secretary of State could take time out of his very busy schedule to come to the constituency and hear first-hand the concerns of local farmers and be able to feed their views into national policy.”
Tony & Glynis Lavelle who hosted the meeting on their family dairy farm added, “We appreciate Esther McVey taking the time to come and listen to the concerns of farmers in the constituency and for bringing the Secretary of State to meet us. It’s not every day we get to debate our concerns with the man in charge of the country’s farming policy. It’s important we all work together to ensure that farming remains a thriving and profitable industry here on the Wirral.”
- The meeting took place on Thursday 15th August at Three Lanes End Farm in West Kirkby
- The NFU is urging the public to help turn around a decline in self-sufficiency that means the UK produces just 62 per cent of its own food. The NFU is determined to reverse this trend and is launching a Charter looking for the public, politicians and food industry to sign, pledging their support. For more information about the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign or to sign the Back British Farming Charter visit www.farmingdelivers.co.uk