The NFU organised the meeting with MP for Crewe and Nantwich Connor Naismith, on Clayhanger Hall Farm, a dairy farm near Crewe, which has been farmed by the Hughes family and their children Andrew Rutter and Emma Jones for over 100 years.
A further eight NFU members from Cheshire joined Mr Naismith for the roundtable meeting. They explained how the rise in minimum wage and Employers National Insurance Contributions, coupled with the lack of fairness in the supply chain, could impact family farm businesses, devastate the rural economy, and jeopardise national food security.
Other issues discussed at the meeting included concerns over the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the government’s flagship support scheme for environmentally friendly farming, future bovine TB policy, HS2 and the government’s animal welfare strategy.
Keen to address local farmers' concerns
Mr Naismith said: “Thank you to the Hughes family for inviting me into their home.
“I’ve had numerous meetings with the NFU and the farmers they represent and am grateful to them for facilitating this open dialogue.
“As national policy evolves, I will be bringing the issues raised into Parliament and am particularly keen to address local farmers’ concerns regarding fly-tipping, animal welfare standards, and questions around tax allowances for environmental permits versus grant dependency.”
NFU Cheshire County Adviser Helen Wainwright said: “This was a very productive meeting, with a good turnout of NFU members who took the opportunity to discuss their concerns.
“The NFU works with MPs from all parties in order to keep farming firmly on the political agenda and help to deliver a positive future for British farmers and growers.”