12s farmers on farming fact-finding trip with Bishop MP Sam
The farmers met with their MP and a government minister on March 4 to discuss key agricultural issues, including food production, environmental schemes, and future policy directions.
The 12 NFU members visited Westminster at the invitation of Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth.
During the visit, they held a meeting with Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Caroline Coatsworth, NFU group secretary, said: “Food security and the supply chain was also high on the agenda, and we were pleased to be able to hold discussions with the Minister.
“We have developed a strong working relationship with Sam Rushworth since he was elected as our MP and gained commitment from Minster for Farming, Angela Eagle to meet with his constituents so it was a fantastic opportunity to take a group down to experience Parliament.
“They had the opportunity to see first-hand how the NFU operates in London in addition to what we do locally.
“Members had a really constructive meeting with Sam and Angela on the day, and we look forward to repeating the trip in the future.”
The meeting focused on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the governmentβs flagship scheme to support environmental farming.
The group emphasised the need for schemes to be practical and accessible for all types of farms, particularly those in upland areas.
The NFU has called for the new version of the scheme to be accessible and relevant to all types of farmers, whilst being central to profitable food production and food security.
The visit also included a tour of the Houses of Parliament and a session with the NFUβs Westminster office team.
They met with the NFU team in the Westminster office to learn about the scope of their roles, lobbying work on behalf of the industry and how they are effective in and around Parliament.
There was also an update on farm safety, and a meeting with NFU economist James Thompson on finances and threats and opportunities from an economic perspective.
Richard Potts, NFU chief business and farm management adviser, spoke about the work he is doing with his team, while NFU economist James Thompson spoke on finances and threats and opportunities from an economic perspective.
Stuart Robson, a livestock farmer who took part in the visit, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for us County Durham NFU members to go to London and be hosted by our local MP and for us to meet with the Minister for Agriculture.
“We put our views on the farming industry to her, face-to-face.
“To get a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament was a great added bonus to the visit too alongside spending some time with the NFU Westminster team, which was really insightful.
“We enjoyed hearing about the work they do and was interesting especially around the lobbying and campaign on the family farm tax.”