I completely agree that small family farms are a big part of our national identity and I have always worked to support our farmers who are the backbone of the rural economy as well as stewards of the British countryside. As many of you are aware, I come from a family with a strong farming background myself and am proud to represent these hard-working men, women and families, especially in my constituency.
Farming provides valuable income and jobs to rural communities like East Grinstead and Uckfield and supporting the growth of the sector should be a key component of the Government's priority of growing the economy.
I firmly believe the new Labour Government must commit to tackling contractual unfairness that can exist in the agri-food supply chain and Ministers should work to support farmers and ensure they get fair prices for their products. To that end, the previous Conservative Government commissioned the Fresh Produce Supply Chain Review to enhance fairness in the industry, helping British farmers and growers secure a fair return while ensuring consumers continue to enjoy access to high-quality, fresh British produce.
With the review now concluded, I would like the Secretary of State to confirm whether he intends to implement the proposed regulations that were developed in collaboration with the industry. These measures, aimed at creating clearer contractual frameworks, would ensure better protection for producers and help level the playing field.
I am committed to backing British farmers, and it's only right that producers should be paid a fair price. You can read more here: Mims Davies MP Backs British Farming Day | Mims Davies
Under the last Government, the £2.4 billion farming budget was maintained annually. Any underspend was rolled forward, and the average value of farming payment schemes was increased by 10 per cent. Furthermore, the previous Government launched the biggest package of grants worth £427 million for farm businesses, supporting productivity and innovation. Furthermore, Ministers in the last Government prioritised food security and set a commitment to grow 60 per cent of our food at home.
It is, therefore, extremely concerning that there are reports that the new Government may be cutting the farming budget, thereby putting food security and nature recovery at risk. In addition, the Government has declined to take forward a binding food security target and refused to commit to continuing the annual farm to fork summit.
I hope that the new Government steps up and recognises that the sector is in a worrying position, with the NFU president explaining that farmers are "being kept up at night" due to the "cliff edge" that they face. However, since the Labour manifesto had only 87 words on farming, I fear that the new Government is yet to grasp the severity of the situation.
I would like to reassure my constituents I do recognise the invaluable work of our farmers across the country and I will continue to support our farming industry and our rural communities.
