Cost of Living: Support for Farmers — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]

Alyn Smith stressed the importance of farming and agriculture to all our lives, highlighting that farmers are fundamental to our existence. He mentioned that Scotland's agricultural industry employs 67,000 people directly and supports a further 320,000, with an annual gross output of £3.3 billion. Smith called on the UK Government to do more to support farmers, especially through trade policy, competition policy, procurement policy, energy policy, and budgets. He also suggested that there is now more opportunity to use procurement policies to boost local demand for agricultural products following Brexit.

Ben Lake expressed concern about the rising input costs and cost of living challenges facing farmers, particularly in Wales. He highlighted that agricultural inflation stands at 28.4% according to the agricultural price index, with many farmers considering leaving the industry due to increasing fertiliser prices from £200 per tonne last year to upwards of £700 per tonne now. Lake suggested exploring interventions such as establishing a gas-fertiliser price index and reconsidering VAT treatment for agricultural inputs.

Cornwall's agriculture industry is vital, contributing £2 billion to the economy with one in three jobs linked to food production. Farmers face rising input costs due to agflation at 30%, impacting fertiliser prices which have trebled and red diesel doubling in price. The cost of living crisis could undermine domestic food security as farms transition away from Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support. There is a need for proactive mitigation measures, including on-farm business advice and local guidance to help navigate grants. Farmers say there is a lot more they have to do to get the same payments. How can we streamline the process?

I have received multiple emails from constituents worried about rising energy bills and their impact on the farming community in Croydon South.

He praised young farmers' energy and dynamism but criticised the Government for not doing enough to support them. He called for a new Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with a dedicated Secretary of State at the Cabinet table. Kawczynski also proposed nationalising fertiliser plants due to rising costs and security concerns, highlighting mental health issues among farmers.

The hon. Member is concerned about the severe challenges facing the agricultural sector, including inflation, lack of seasonal labour, and issues with the environmental land management scheme rollout. He highlighted significant increases in agricultural input costs and warned about potential impacts on food security due to energy price rises and fertiliser shortages.

Farmers in North Shropshire are facing a cost of doing business crisis due to soaring input costs, labour shortages, and inadequate support from the Government. Farmers report cuts in basic farm payments, which are putting them at risk of going out of business. The National Farmers Union and others have highlighted issues with the implementation of new support schemes that farmers say are not ready or effective enough.

Madders is concerned about the potential closure of CF Fertilisers in his constituency, which employs over 300 people. He highlights that an increase in fertiliser costs could exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis and impact food security. Madders expresses worry that the parent company may not sell the site to a competitor due to its profitability and market position, potentially leading to job losses and higher food prices.

I am concerned about the impact of rising food costs on families across Walsall North and how it affects their ability to afford nutritious meals.

Donelan briefly intervenes to recognise the role of land-based colleges in supporting agricultural education and skills development.

The cost of fertilisers has increased by 150% in the past year, which is crippling small farmers who cannot absorb these costs and are struggling to stay afloat.

Devon's farms face significant challenges due to inflation, with agricultural costs increasing by 28.4% for all inputs in the year to April 2022. Farmers are struggling with higher fuel and heating costs, affecting both their businesses and household expenses. The member urges a further reduction in fuel duty but acknowledges that it needs to reach consumers first. They advocate for better electric vehicle infrastructure and support for small farmers transitioning from old to new payment schemes, proposing an advisory board funded by £250,000 to help them navigate DEFRA bureaucracy.