Government plans to reduce the funding available for farmers risks jeopardising national food security and farmer’s resilience, says South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson.
Officials are looking at cutting the agricultural budget by at least £100 million a year, following unspent funds which could be handed back to HM Treasury.
The decision has been criticised by groups such as the National Farmers Union, Wildlife Trusts, and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP), according to which it could result in at least 239,000 fewer hectares of farmland being managed in nature-friendly ways – undermining the long-term environment plan, in which the last government made a commitment to protecting 30 per cent of UK land by 2030.
"Backing our farmers is a key part of my plan for South Shropshire," says Mr Anderson. "With farming and agriculture forming nearly 20% of enterprises in Shropshire, I am proud of our farmers and producers. Thanks to their hard work and enormous sacrifices, we produce 65% of our entire food supply needs.
"Food security is an essential part of national security. So, it is worrying that the new government plans to cut funding available for farmers by £100 million when we left it with the fastest growing economy in the G7, inflation at target levels, and unemployment at near record lows."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel