On #BackBritishFarmingDay I want to celebrate our British produce and recognise the massive contribution farmers make to the UK economy.
It was a privilege to meet with local farmers recently to talk about:
- Seasonal worker vacancy challenges
- Low quality import standards
- Flood and water extraction licensing reform
- Broadband access
- Veterinary fees
- Fake farms labelling
- Teaching farming to the next generation
Farming is a lifelong vocation to be the guardians of our countryside, safeguarding our landscapes whilst feeding the nation with high-standard local produce at a lower carbon footprint than low-quality imports.
That’s why I’m proud to see Labour’s plans in Government:
- Protect British farmers from lower standards in future trade deals
- Seek a new veterinary agreement with the EU to boost trade
- Targets for more British-grown food in public services like hospitals, army bases and prisons
- Set up the British infrastructure council, to speed broadband rollout
- Build better flood defences and natural flood management schemes
I want to say a huge thank you to all those working tirelessly seven days a week to keep us fed and preserve our beautiful countryside.