The group of 12 NFU members visited Parliament with MP Sam Rushworth and sat down for a discussion with Dame Angela Eagle, Defra Minister of State.
The NFU visit was hosted by Mr Rushworth, Bishop Auckland MP and the group also met with the NFU’s Westminster team and other advisers.
NFU Group Secretary Caroline Coatsworth said the day was a good opportunity to discuss farming challenges and opportunities in County Durham and Dame Eagle was engaged and listened to their views as well as explaining her perspective on current Government legislation and plans for food and farming.
The meeting focused on the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) and for accessible agri-environment schemes for those farming in the uplands with a focus on livestock and arable, animal health and welfare and opportunities to encourage the next generation of County Durham farmers.
A fantastic opportunity
Caroline Coatsworth said: "Food security and the supply chain was also high on the agenda, and we were pleased to be able to hold discussions with the Minister.
“We have developed a strong working relationship with Sam Rushworth since he was elected as our MP and gained commitment from Minister for Farming, Angela Eagle to meet with his constituents so it was a fantastic opportunity to take a group down to experience Parliament.
“They had the opportunity to see first-hand how the NFU operates in London in addition to what we do locally.
“Members had a really constructive meeting with Sam and Angela on the day, and we look forward to repeating the trip in the future.”
Alongside a Tour of the Houses of Parliament, they met with the NFU team in the Westminster office to learn about the scope of their roles, lobbying work on behalf of the industry and how they are effective in and around Parliament.
There was also a session with Richard Potts, NFU chief business and farm management adviser, on the work he is doing with his team, an update on farm safety and a meeting with NFU economist James Thompson on finances and threats and opportunities from an economic perspective.
Livestock farmer Stuart Robson said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for us County Durham NFU members to go to London and be hosted by our local MP and for us to meet with the Minister for Agriculture. We put our views on the farming industry to her, face-to-face.
"To get a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament was a great added bonus to the visit too alongside spending some time with the NFU Westminster team, which was really insightful.
"We enjoyed hearing about the work they do and was interesting especially around the lobbying and campaign on the family farm tax."