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Food and Farming: Devon and Cornwall
23 February 2022
Lead MP
Geoffrey Cox
Torridge and Tavistock
Con
Responding Minister
Victoria Prentis
Tags
BrexitAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 13676
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Geoffrey Cox raised concerns about food and farming: devon and cornwall in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Cox calls for greater investment in farmers and the creation of new markets for British produce around the world through a bold vision of a British agricultural export agency. He also urges the Government to ensure that policies are designed to lift farmers and support them in making the most of market opportunities, while maintaining a conviction at the heart of government regarding the importance of British farming.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Cox is concerned about the unpredictability and uncertainty faced by agriculture in Devon and Cornwall due to the implications of the Agriculture Act 2020 and changes in trading relationships after Brexit. He highlights the significant proportion of Devon's economy that relies on food production and raises concerns over the reduction of direct payments to farmers, which could lead to a loss of £10,000 per farm without these payments. Cox also mentions the growing chorus of concern from industry bodies like the Tenant Farmers Association about current government plans, noting the potential impact on upland farming.
Highlights the challenge of labour shortages in agriculture and emphasizes the need for recognition and reward of workers' skills. Mentions an example of a pig farm where thousands of pigs had to be killed due to lack of workforce.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Twin towns
I am concerned about the impact of recent changes to farm support payments on farmers in Devon and Cornwall. Many have experienced significant financial challenges due to delays in receiving payments. Discussed the need for DEFRA policies to align with productivity, environmentalism and future generations of farmers. Emphasised the role of farm shops in local communities during the pandemic and called for simpler schemes for small farmers. Highlighted the importance of increasing non-supermarket owned abattoirs to improve at-gate farm prices.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Critiqued the government's handling of food production and farming policies, citing a lack of understanding and contradictory approaches. Highlighted issues with environmental land management schemes, labour shortages, water regulations, fishing concerns, and tenancy problems. Will the Minister give way?
Agrees with Clive Betts's speech, suggests a target of increasing self-sufficiency from 64% to 75% over the next decade.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Congratulates Clive Betts on initiating the debate, discusses farmers' income not keeping up with outgoings in Northern Ireland and calls for Government funding streams to be allocated to those who need them most, UK-wide.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
I raised concerns about food supply chains and the need for greater resilience in the face of global challenges such as climate change. I advocated for government investment in local food production to reduce reliance on imports.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
I thank the right hon. and learned Member for Torridge and West Devon for his speech, declaring an interest as my little sisters are farmers in north Cornwall. The Cabinet's gain has been our loss in farming debates due to lack of action from the Government despite wise words. I support British farming and the need for buying local more, aiming for a target of 75% by 2040. We should take back control of food policy focusing on high standards and environmental gains. Concerns arise about the Government's strategy to reduce farmers' numbers through larger farms and industrialised methods, which does not work in the south-west. I worry that trade deals undercut British farmers and betray them. The south-west contributes significantly to the national economy with £1.6 billion from agriculture and employs 60,000 people.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
I am concerned about the impact of farming on local communities and the environment in Devon and Cornwall. I highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture practices to ensure long-term food security and ecological balance.
Neil Parish
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Expressed concerns about food security, emphasizing the importance of grain, chicken, sheep, cattle and dairy production in the UK. Raised issues regarding inadequate funding for farmers under new environmental schemes and potential inflation due to higher farming costs. Criticized the Home Office for slow action on labour policies and processors for failing to honor contracts with farmers.
Robert Courts
Con
Oxford West and Abingdon
I spoke about the need for a comprehensive rural strategy that addresses issues such as infrastructure, broadband access, and skills training. I emphasised the importance of supporting young people to enter agriculture.
Simon Jupp
Con
East Devon
Devon's farming sector is a key part of the regional economy, contributing £4.1 billion in value to UK food and farming output. The MP supports high animal welfare standards but highlights the need for clearer communication between farmers and the Government regarding environmental land management schemes and payment structures after single farm payments end.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
I discussed the challenges faced by farmers in my constituency, including high input costs and labour shortages. I urged the government to provide more financial support and practical assistance to help local farms remain viable.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Tim Farron expressed concern about the transition from the Common Agricultural Policy to Environmental Land Management System (ELMS), highlighting potential income losses for farmers, threats to food security, and environmental degradation. He mentioned that 85% of farm profitability in the livestock sector comes from direct payments. Farron argued against policies that incentivise landowners to clear farmland, describing it as an outrage that rewards them financially while harming farming communities. Additionally, he criticised trade deals with countries having lower animal welfare standards and the impact of migration policies on the pig industry.
Government Response
Victoria Prentis
Government Response
Addressed multiple points raised during the debate on food and farming in Devon and Cornwall. Acknowledged concerns about agricultural transition and assured support through improved payment schemes, new policies for tenant farmers, efforts to address issues in the pig industry, and the launch of three new exciting schemes open to farmers including the animal health and welfare pathway, farming resilience fund, and farming investment fund. Highlighted the importance of buying British products.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.