At the show, celebrating its 150th year, NFU President Tom Bradshaw and senior officeholders spoke with Dr Julia Buckley, MP for Shrewsbury, about the support needed to ensure farmers can continue to produce high quality food and deliver for the economy, jobs, communities and the countryside.
They also raised the growth agenda with MP Mark Pritchard and highlighted the difficulties being experienced by family farms in his Wrekin constituency.
Shropshire farmers have faced unprecedented challenges over the past couple of years due to extreme weather conditions, geo-political tensions and poor policy that is preventing investment and growth and has led to a cashflow crisis – one of the worst in the industry for generations.
At the 23 May event the NFU spoke to the MPs about the family farm tax, the impact of the driest spring in over a century and US and EU trade agreements.
The supply chain and uncertainty over the future of the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) - the government’s flagship environmental support scheme for agriculture - were also discussed alongside a call to action to ensure county farms can be profitable and remain viable for future generations.
“Having MPs engaged with the industry and understanding the challenges our members face, while having those conversations that are sometimes difficult, is essential.”
Tom Bradshaw
Mr Bradshaw said: “Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley was very engaged and knew the brief very well but was realistic about the challenges and what is possible in terms of policy solutions.
“She was also keen to take forward suggestions from the NFU that will help with the rural growth agenda.
“While we may not always agree on every issue, we need to sit down to discuss it so we can find some common ground that benefits our farms.”
Keen to discuss members' concerns
NFU Shropshire County Chair, Kate Mayne, said; “Both MPs recognise the difficulties coming the industry’s way and those that have seriously challenged Shropshire farmers and growers over the past few years.
“They were in listening mode and keen to discuss our concerns in these uncertain times.
“I thought it was important to meet them both and we will continue this vital lobbying work up and down the country during show season as we look to champion the industry and drive for positive change.
“The show also provided an opportunity for people to celebrate the industry and come together to catch up and support one another.
“I would like to assure county farmers we will keep going over the family farm tax and the other issues that are creating such concern and worry for us all.”