Food and Farming: Devon and Cornwall

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.