Kieran Mullan, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, joined a number of local farmers in Herstmonceux to talk about farming priorities, funding schemes and food self-sufficiency.
At the meeting organised by the National Farmers Union, Kieran wanted to hear from local farmers how the new Sustainable Farming Incentive and Environmental Land Management Schemes were working. He was also keen to know how well these post-EU farm subsidies are supporting farmers in food production to support UK food security. Currently, 62% of the food consumed in the UK is produced here.
The NFU and farmers were clear about the challenges they face in balancing environmental management with food production. They felt it was important to make sure that incentives to use land for renewable energy projects like solar and windfarms along with environmental and biodiversity schemes do not outweigh the incentive to produce food.
Following the meeting Kieran commented:
“It was really good to meet local farmers to hear about the challenges and opportunities they face. They are as passionate about food production as they are about ensuring biodiversity and careful land management. I want to work with local farmers and the NFU to ensure that the UK’s farm subsidy schemes work for their businesses and that the focus of farming remains about producing home grown food and providing UK food security.”
NFU County Adviser for East Sussex and West Sussex Romy Gue said:
“It was great to meet with MP Kieran Mullan and for our members to discuss some of the key farming challenges they are dealing with. He was interested and engaged, and we look forward to working with him further in the future.
The NFU is keen to engage with MPs from all political parties to work towards a brighter future for farming.
“British farmers are the chief deliverers of future nature recovery. They take their environmental responsibilities very seriously, while also focussing on producing high quality, affordable, traceable food and adhering to world leading standards of animal welfare.”
