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.