Rory Stewart MP meets with local Cumbrian farmers to talk post-Brexit agricultural policies
Cumbrian farmers met with local MP for Penrith and the Border, Rory Stewart, on the important policy areas which affects the Cumbrian agricultural industry.
Farmers from the Penrith area met with the MP on Friday 12 August at a kitchen table meeting at Sockbridge Hall, organised by NFU Cumbria County Adviser Mike Sanderson.
Important areas of policy such as how farmers will trade, what kind of support the industry needs, how farmers and growers will source labour and the intricacies of a domestic agricultural policy were all discussed.
NFU Cumbria County Chairman David Raine said the best way for Cumbrian farmers to have their ideas and thoughts heard by MPs like Rory Stewart is to get involved in the NFU’s post Brexit consultation.
"We’re expecting thousands of NFU members to grasp with both hands the opportunity to share their views.
"This is the chance to shape the future for our industry for all future generations of British farmers and growers," Mr Raine said.
Largest consultation in a generation
The NFU launched its options paper last week giving its members the chance to voice what they think is needed from a future domestic agricultural policy for the British farming sector.
The consultation will be the largest in a generation with 50 meetings being held across the country for members to attend and discuss the options with NFU officeholders and policy advisers.
The consultation period will end on 14 September 2016 - the day the NFU will hold its Back British Farming Day to promote dynamic British food and farming to MPs.
"Brexit is about building the industry’s influence. The NFU’s aim, once our members have spoken, is to provide a strong and united voice for the food and farming industry to ensure that agriculture’s interests are represented in trade discussions," added Mr Raine.
"I encourage NFU members to obtain and read a copy of the organisation’s options paper entitled ‘Shaping a new and dynamic future for agriculture and horticulture’.
"Then they should attend one or more of our consultation meetings in the months ahead. This is your chance to shape the future for our industry, for you and for all future generations of British farmers and growers.”