Last week, Richard held another meeting of farmers at Renhold Village Hall. Richard began holding these meeting shortly after he was elected as a way to get feedback on the key issues facing the agricultural sector, as well as an understanding of steps he can take to further support the rural economy in his constituency.
Speaking after the meeting, Richard Fuller MP said:
It was good to catch up with a number of local farmers and producers at my Farmers' Forum in Renhold.
In the quest for ever cheaper food we undervalue the vital work that farmers do, not just to feed us, but also in their stewardship of our beautiful countryside. All done with some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world that we can all be proud of.
The war in Ukraine produced a huge spike in input costs such as fuel and fertiliser, whilst market prices for grain fluctuate dramatically based on global supply. Furthermore, the wettest February on record has played havoc with the drilling of this year's crops which will inevitably affect yields later in the year.
The past few years has shown us the importance of food security, and we must find a way to support our farming community to ensure this critical resource survives and thrives and is seen as a destination business for some of our young entrepreneurs.
