MP pledges to raise farmers’ concerns at Westminster

A North Yorkshire MP has pledged to raise the concerns of Dales farmers at Westminster in a bid to highlight the challenges faced by the agricultural community.

Contract rules for dairy farmers, soaring farming input prices and planning constraints are among the issues that Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, will put to Ministers in the coming weeks.

The move comes following Mr Smith’s second Agriculture Summit, which saw members of the farming community discuss the problems which blight the industry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event at Kettlesing was attended by farmers and workers from across the Dales, along with representatives the NFU, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Natural England, Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the Country Land and Business Association.

Mr Smith said: “It was very good to be able to hear directly from those working on farms and in the agricultural sector about the issues and challenges they are facing so that I can continue to represent farming issues at Westminster.

“Agriculture is vitally important for Skipton and Ripon and it must have a strong future. I will be holding meetings and events such as these to help ensure that happens.

“Meanwhile, if anyone from the sector feels I can help them, I encourage them to get in touch.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government recently announced proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy, which has drawn much consternation from UK producers.

Among the many proposals it makes are to cap subsidy payments, require more land to be devoted to wildlife habitats and scale back targeted support for farmers in challenging areas, such as the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors.

The reforms have drawn criticism from both farmers and politicians alike who say the proposals are flawed and miss an opportunity to help improve and safeguard farming for the coming decade.

The NFU is hosting a series of meetings to give members the chance to explore the proposals.