Tim gave an update on the national picture in Parliament and some of the work he had been doing. He was very concerned about food security and had raised the matter with the Minister during questions in the House of Commons.
They discussed a range of topics, including fuel and fertiliser price rises due to the Iran conflict, SFI, falling milk prices, biosecurity for imported goods and the reintroduction of White-tailed eagles in Cumbria.
James Airey, Cumbria County Adviser, said: “Members always enjoy meeting Tim Farron because he is a great advocate for farming and is always happy to give answers to questions and act on issues raised.
“Tim was concerned that food production isn't recognised in SFI and confirmed he would continue to lobby to see this happen in the future. He also urged any members concerned about White-tailed eagles to contact him and confirmed he would pass these concerns on to the Farming Minister.
“Following the meeting, Tim asked questions raised by members directly to Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Parliament the following week. He also strongly made the point that he felt that food production should be recognised and rewarded in SFI. Regardless of which political party an MP represents, they are in Parliament to represent their constituents.
“Meeting MPs gives us our chance to keep them informed of issues critical to agriculture and to ask for their support. Without strong local lobbying the NFU would never have won the changes to the Government’s IHT proposal which has hugely benefited family farms."
