Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, helped out at Clive Farm, in Pattingham, on Wednesday 23rd July.
Gavin visited farmer John Roberts to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges that the farming community is currently facing.
He joined Mr. Roberts’ sons, David and Andrew, grading potatoes and helping to pack the produce ready for transport.
The local farm, which covers over 900 acres, sells potatoes to vendors across the Midlands and as far as the south coast of Wales.
Gavin also assisted the team on the combine harvester, as it brought in the rape seed oil harvest.
“I am grateful to Mr. Roberts for taking the time to show me around the farm and explain some of the challenges that the farming community is currently facing. As I quickly discovered, turning a farm into a profitable business is no easy task and this was a wonderful opportunity to discover more about what the government can do to assist local farmers, who play such an important role in our rural economy.
“I was delighted to learn this week about a new Government initiative which could see £400 million of potential new business heading the way of British farmers and food producers. From 2017, all of central government will commit to buying fresh, locally sourced, seasonal food, so that all food that can be bought locally will be bought locally. I hope this will help to further support farming in South Staffordshire and I would like to encourage all schools in the area to get behind this new initiative.”