“The challenges have been coming at us non-stop – it is a bit like being on a ship with 10 torpedoes coming at you all at once and not knowing which one to dodge first,” he said.
David explained that the main issue was a lack of confidence caused by the Government’s inheritance tax changes and particularly the closure of the SFI scheme at very short notice.
“That was an unforgiveable choice, they knew the money was running out, and [what they did] has destroyed trust and confidence.
NFU backs members
“But I was proud to see the NFU back members with a legal challenge, which means those who had started an application will be allowed back into the scheme. Government doesn’t back down easily, it will cost them £28m and that’s not money you just find down the back of the sofa.”
But despite the many challenges facing farming at the moment, David said he remained optimistic and the industry should capitalise on the impact of programmes like Clarkson’s Farm.
“I’m excited for the future, I’m excited for the next generation, I’m looking forward to seeing what my son will do with the farm. It has been hard, but the future is bright.”
A busy year
David was speaking at a members’ reception hosted by county chair Mark Humphry.
Mark reflected on a busy year for the county which had included the protests against inheritance tax changes, meetings with MPs across the county and a visit from Vice President Rachel Hallos and director of communications James Clark.
The reception featured apple juice donated by Orchard Park Farms, cheese from The Newt in Somerset and boxes of eggs from the Slow Farming Company. It was just one of a number of events held on the stand.
Avon and Somerset Police Rural Crime Team spoke to members to pass on the latest intelligence about activity in their area and give the latest rural crime prevention tips.
Legal Panel firm Clarke Willmott were also available to offer advice to members.
Crime was at the top of the agenda for a discussion with Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem).
Give young people a chance
Later in the day, David spoke at the Somerset YFC reception, where he talked about the importance of the organisation in giving young people a chance.
Coming from a non-farming background, he had started out as a YFC member before being given the opportunity to go in to farming aged 20 and his sons are now following him into the business.
“It is so important to give young people a chance. Although it can be frustrating, they see things in a different way and can do things that we can’t.
“I hope anyone here today who is able to help out the next generation will do so.”
YFC chair Sam Wade said the county was in good heart and that membership, at around 800, was now back up to pre-Covid levels.
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