The agricultural sector must keep reminding politicians about the importance and needs of the industry, a young farming entrepreneur from the Eden area has said.
Chris Dickinson, of North Netherscales, Hutton End, was one of 10 members of the NFU’s Next Generation Forum who visited Parliament at the invitation of Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson, to discuss the future of farming.
Chris — who is involved in several farming enterprises, including raising Wagyu cattle and running his Tailored Goat business, producing and and selling high quality goat meat — explained that the forum plays a major role in championing the importance of the next generation of farmers through activities such as lobbying for progressive policy which supports and inspires emerging farming entrepreneurs.
Another forum member is Helen Dent, of Catterlen, who could not take part in the visit to Parliament because of a prior commitment.
Chris and the other forum members enjoyed a tour of Parliament before a question and answer session with Dr Hudson on topics including ELMS and the future of subsidies in general, followed by a meeting with Angela Tant, of the Red Tractor campaign.
In the discussions with Dr Hudson — who Chris described as a “farmer-friendly MP” — the young farmers told him the country was sleepwalking into real issues over food supplies and that the industry needs support from the Government if it is too meet consumers’ needs.
They said a lifting of the cap on the number of overseas workers allowed into the UK would be a big help, and that the Government needs to establish a food security target for the country.
On another pressing issue discussed, Chris said: “We also need to look at the role of the grocery code adjudicator — it just has not worked. Farmers need to receive a fair price to cover inflation and allow them to invest.”
He went on to say that while Dr Hudson seems to appreciate the importance of UK farming, many of those in power do not.
“Unfortunately, the day after we visited Parliament Therese Coffey, the Defra minister, ruled out giving any help to British farmers,” he said.
He added that despite this it is important for the Next Generation Forum and the rest of the farming sector to continue “banging on the door” of both those who, like
Dr Hudson, are sympathetic to the UK industry and those who are not.
In their meeting with Ms Tant, the forum members heard about the marketing work done under the Red Tractor Scheme, which Chris said he thought is in good hands.
Following the visit, Dr Hudson described the discussion as having been in-depth, rewarding and at times challenging.
He said: “It was such a pleasure to host some of England’s future farming stars in Parliament. There was a real wealth of talent and expertise in the room which led to thoughtful, incisive, and frankly challenging discussions that I found extremely valuable.
“My main takeaway is that we really need to invest in young people starting out in the farming sector — from providing education, training and signposted career pathways to emerging farmers to wider industry support with farm payments, increasing production costs and their relationships with sellers.
“That said, if the farmers I met are any reflection of the wider industry, then it is clear the sector is in safe hands!”
