Sir Gavin Williamson and Shadow Farming Minister Robbie Moore MP visited PDM Produce based in Great Chatwell as they discussed investment and future policy in the agriculture, food, and drink sector.
PDM Produce are the UK’s second largest whole head lettuce grower, largest babyleaf grower, and the UK’s first integrated producer of fully prepared bagged salads. Founded in 1991, the business has grown from 10 acres of iceberg lettuce to 3,800 acres of salad crops in their fields today.
The business has also diversified into the food and drink sector including creating a range of healthy, cold-pressed juices which retain the highest levels of nutrients, flavour, and vitamins.
Sir Gavin arranged for Robbie Moore MP, the Shadow Farming Minister to visit PDM Produce along with farmers in his constituency, to outline future Conservative policy in the farming sector after the Government’s policies threaten the viability of the sector.
Changes to Business and Agriculture Property Relief, as well as Inheritance Tax alterations, have caused great concern amongst farmers and called into question food security as well as expansion opportunities.
Jeremy Lowe, Staffordshire County Advisor for the NFU, said: “We were pleased to welcome Sir Gavin and the Shadow Minister out on farm with NFU members. Businesses like PDM Produce demonstrate that a secure and quality food supply requires innovation, hard work, long-term planning and investment.
“We think it is vital that such businesses are given every opportunity to thrive through Government policies that encourage continued investment and growth, especially in relation to a robust and fair supply chain and access to a skilled as well as competent workforce.”
Sir Gavin said: “I was delighted to visit PDM Produce alongside the Shadow Farming Minister and to see the rapid expansion of PDM Produce. Generational family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and it is highly disturbing to see the Government pursuing punitive policies that are damaging to farmers across the country.
“I will continue to work with Robbie and the NFU to make the case for policies that allow businesses to expand and innovate.”
