Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, met with representatives of the NFU last week to discuss a range of different issues including the price of milk.
During the meeting there was a discussion on a number of regulations across a wide range of farming areas that the NFU feel that farmers need more support in.
An issue which is of constant contention is the price of milk. Many farmers want to see more powers given to the Grocery Code Adjudicator so that farmers get a fair price for their produce. Gavin has previously spoken in Westminster Hall debates in support of farmers who feel that the Grocery Code Adjudicator is not properly looking at the whole supply chain when determining the cost of milk.
Other concerns raised covered the single payment scheme where farmers are seeking assurances for a rural payment scheme and a review in the modulation of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Gavin commented: “The ideas that the NFU and I discussed in the meeting are extremely important. I believe that farmers should get a fair price for their produce and think it is right that we should see more powers handed to the Grocery Code Adjudicator. Farming continues to be an incredibly important sector for the UK and contributes significantly to our national economy and the preservation of our environment. We need to do everything that we can to support our farmers and protect our agricultural industry.”