Support for British Farming — [Sir Gary Streeter in the Chair]

Carmichael agreed that biosecurity is crucial but not sufficient to solve avian influenza, suggesting the need for alternative approaches. Calls for more certainty in agricultural policy, particularly from the consultation on future farm payments. Advocates for flexibility to support local social and economic benefits in agriculture, citing an example where two dairy farms provided essential milk during a ferry strike. Expresses disappointment with the Groceries Code Adjudicator's effectiveness and suggests revisiting it along with other measures under the Agriculture Act 2020 to address market imbalance between supermarkets and farmers.

Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the challenges resulting from the war in Ukraine has been the increasing cost of energy and that one challenge for farmers is the cost of energy? In his autumn statement, the Chancellor said that he would provide additional targeted relief for businesses. Does my hon. Friend agree that those businesses must include farmers?

Intervening on Richard Drax's speech, Carla Lockhart mentions additional challenges faced by farmers in Northern Ireland because of the protocol, citing issues with seed potato importation and veterinary medicine availability.

Loder suggested that the Groceries Code Adjudicator should be given more power to ensure fair treatment of farmers by supermarkets. He agreed that the dominance of supermarkets in national food supply chains was problematic and suggested promoting local food through local supply chains as a solution. Mr Loder highlighted the challenges faced by egg producers in West Dorset, noting that supermarkets' strong yield-management policies were forcing farmers to accept prices below production costs. He argued that the Groceries Code Adjudicator was ineffective and called for more robust measures to address supermarket dominance and protect farmers from unfair practices.

Jarvis highlighted the importance of supporting British farmers in improving food security and local food production. He mentioned that the UK now produces only 60% of its domestic food consumption, down from 80% in the 1980s. Jarvis also discussed challenges such as avian influenza, biosecurity measures, and the need for better border checks to prevent African swine fever. He raised concerns about a shortage of seasonal workers and the mental health issues facing young farmers. Celebrated his son joining agricultural college and discussed biosecurity measures against avian influenza and African swine fever.

Farming is currently struggling, particularly in the pig and poultry sectors due to avian flu. The Agriculture Act has failed to deliver on supply chain fairness despite consultations. The Minister needs to confirm the status of the dairy code, pork supply chain code, and the proposal to move the Grocery Code Adjudicator into the Competition and Markets Authority. It is the truth. Or the former Secretary of State.

Farmers face unparalleled challenges, including reduced food production and high costs driven by supermarkets and Government policy. He urged the Minister to adopt food security as a public good and support farmers in producing healthy food. Noted criticism of farmers as a problem, stating that they are part of the solution in creating beautiful landscapes.

Discussed the importance of CF Fertilisers and collaboration with the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department.

Intervenes to highlight the importance of listening to local farmers, specifically asking for the extension of the culling policy on a discreet basis in Cheshire to tackle bovine TB until the end of 2023 as part of a coordinated approach.

Emphasised the importance of British farming, noting it employs over 4 million people and is worth around £120 billion to the national economy. Raised issues such as rising costs for fertiliser, VAT thresholds for farm shops, rural crime, heatwaves, and mental health challenges within the industry. Highlighted concerns about food security and loss of agricultural skills. Made a personal plea regarding school catchment areas for farming families.

The MP criticises the path taken by the Government in signing the trade deal with Australia but acknowledges that it brings benefits. He supports the amendment on food standards tabled by the former Member for Tiverton and Honiton, which was listened to and acted upon by the Government.

Farming is crucial for the UK economy, contributing an estimated £501 million to Northern Ireland's income in 2021. The sector employs around 70,000 people and exports 80% of its goods, highlighting the importance of smooth trade relations. Jim Shannon emphasizes the need for funding and support from elected representatives and raises concerns about the Northern Ireland Protocol. Smaller shops offer better prices for egg producers compared to large supermarkets, which are pushing prices down, threatening the survival of local producers. Committed to shooting foxes in Northern Ireland and mentioned challenges with fertiliser prices.

The Groceries Code Adjudicator should intervene in respect of horticulture, cereals, livestock to address supermarket practices that distort the food chain, harming farmers and growers.

Supported the role of the Grocery Code Adjudicator and discussed challenges in the egg-supply market due to feed price increases.

Mr Hudson highlighted the impact of rising input costs on farmers and praised Government support measures such as energy schemes, slurry grants, and fertiliser rule changes. He stressed the need for fair payments under new environmental land management schemes to encourage participation among all types of farmers. Mr Hudson also addressed concerns about food security, citing UK's dependency on imported fertilisers and the need to secure CO2 supplies crucial for animal welfare. He urged investment in veterinary infrastructure like Weybridge's Animal and Plant Health Agency headquarters and called for measures to support rural mental health.

He expressed concern about the lack of support for British farmers, particularly regarding ELMS payments and Brexit's negative impact on agriculture. He also highlighted issues with labour shortages due to restrictions from the Home Office post-Brexit.

She discussed the importance of recognising farming as a strong, dynamic part of the economy. She highlighted challenges faced by farmers due to inflation and higher fuel costs. She also called for supermarkets to be held accountable for their margins and supported calls for measures to help farms dealing with avian flu. Promoted food producers in Essex, including Tiptree, and raised concerns about the impact of avian influenza on farmers.

Farmers need help to produce cheap food and become more self-sufficient. Richard Drax highlights the importance of grants for agricultural equipment, the need for certainty as subsidies change, and advocates for continuing badger culling due to its effectiveness in reducing bovine tuberculosis. Celebrated the Minister's appointment and discussed grant funding, bovine TB vaccination and culling methods.

One of the challenges is around the seasonal agricultural workers scheme—that is certainly true in my constituency, where we will end up with food rotting in the fields, because there are not sufficient people to harvest it. The hon. Gentleman talked about training people from the UK and bringing them into the industry, but does he acknowledge that the changes to the scheme mean that those people from overseas who worked in the sector for a long time are now prevented from coming here and cannot pass on their skills to the next generation?