Yorkshire rural businesses meet on farm with their MP to highlight concerns

Yorkshire NFU member Rob Meadley was with local businesses that underpin food production on his farm to meet MP Charlie Dewhirst and raise continued concerns over the proposed family farm tax and other issues.

Around 12 farm businesses met the MP for Bridlington and The Wolds and impressed on him the struggles facing the sector and the wide-reaching impact the proposed family farm tax will have on their businesses and the rural economy.

The MP was at the Meadley family’s Grange Farm, in North Frodingham, East Yorkshire and inheritance tax, the rising cost of living crisis and national food security were firmly on the agenda.

The businesses, many of whom have been established for more than a century, have worked together for generations and are concerned about the devastating impact the proposed tax changes will have not only on their business but the wider supply chain.

Arable farmer Rob Meadley, a Driffield NFU member, who hosted the visit said: “We are a family farm and it was important to show the impact this Government’s policy changes will have on my farming business alongside the wider supply chain.

“Our farm works with over 70 businesses including fuel suppliers, those providing advice on soils and growing crops, end-users of our produce, machinery dealers, farmer contractors and many more. With me feeling less confidence in the future – it is going to impact on how much investment I make in the coming years.

“My farming business has farmed at North Frodingham since 1909. I’m a fifth-generation proud farmer, and the potential sixth generation is currently at primary school.

“I would like to my son to take over running the farm, but it is a worrying time in farming at the minute with inheritance tax and rising living costs.

“Mr Dewhirst really listened to what we had to say so we hope he can lobby on our behalf and make the case strongly in Westminster to safeguard our rural economy and community.”

The Bridlington and The Wolds MP said it was fantastic to join local NFU members and representatives from right across the food supply chain on farm and hear their views.

“Many of the issues currently facing farmers, such as changes to inheritance tax and hikes in national insurance, impact other businesses in the supply chain so it was really helpful to bring everyone together.” he said.

“We need the rural economy to speak as one voice to persuade the Government to change course.”

Poppy Smith, NFU county adviser, said the NFU remained focused on its work to benefit members’ businesses, and it was critical to have the support of key stakeholders, so the challenges facing farmers and the wider industry was well understood.

“Our members and their businesses, big and small, are vital to our rural economy playing a key role in the production of food and farming.” she said.

“It was great to have the MP out on farm, and we will continue to work with Mr Dewhirst and his team to ensure that family farms in East Yorkshire can continue to produce food for the nation and care for our countryside.”