At the meeting on NFU North Uplands Chair Dave Stanners’ farm, members highlighted first-hand the challenges around scheme availability, the importance of long-term planning in agriculture, and the need for guaranteed support for food production and environmental delivery.
They also showcased the vital role British agriculture plays in sustaining rural livelihoods.
Discussions covered the lack of adequate support schemes, the impacts of Inheritance Tax (IHT), and the wider knock-on effects these pressures have not only on farm businesses, but on the whole rural community and local economy.
Charlotte Dring, Northumberland County Adviser, said: “One of the most important roles of the NFU locally is to lobby our MPs on your behalf.
“We are always keen to engage with both rural and urban MPs, so it was a really valuable opportunity to have met with Wes and Joe together to talk through our industry and the challenges we are facing. Although this was the main focus, it was nice to explain to Wes why we as farmers love our role and do the job we do.”
