Here in South Shropshire it is easy to see farming is at the heart of our local economy. But farming is not without its challenges, and having been responsible for my family farm for over 30 years, I am well aware of these pressures – not least higher costs for fuel and fertiliser as a result of Putin’s war in Ukraine. 

Farming in England is going through the biggest change in 50 years, moving away from the bureaucratic Common Agricultural Policy, under which 50% of the budget went to the largest 10% of landowners.

Nearly half of farmers are now in the new sustainable farming schemes, and the Government committed to maintain the farming budget for England at pre-Brexit levels of £2.4bn per year throughout this parliament, is keeping that promise. In 2023, over £25m was paid to farmers in South Shropshire.

But this week, the Prime Minister set out further steps, including the largest ever grant offer of £427 million. This invests £220 million in productivity and innovation in farming, £116 million in slurry infrastructure, and £91 million in improving health and welfare of our farmed animals.

The government will also slash red tape which currently limits farm diversification, with legislation to deliver development rights in April, so that more farms in England can introduce farm shops or outside sports venues.

I engage regularly with farming groups in South Shropshire, and this evening will be meeting the Shrewsbury NFU branch (whose members farm in South Shropshire) to discuss this package and their concerns.

One of the issues facing farmers is the challenge of rural crime. I am encouraging West Mercia Police to engage with local farmers to offer advice about the technology on offer to help prevent thefts of animals or machinery, including tagging or tracking.

While the government is backing farmers, Opposition parties have been showing how out of touch they are with the farming sector. The Liberal Democrats are supporting a new “fat tax” on milk drinks according to official party plans, in an unnecessary squeeze on dairy farmers. Labour in Wales are proposing to force farmers to take at least 10 per cent of their land out of production to access vital funding, with an estimated loss of 5,500 jobs.

In my final year as MP for Ludlow, I shall continue to meet local farmers and do all I can to support them in Parliament.