Sir Gavin Williamson hosted a roundtable with Staffordshire NFU members as farmers continue to be drastically affected by the Government’s punitive policies.
The Government’s Inheritance Tax raid and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Initiative, has left farmers fearing for their futures; with the viability of many farms in serious jeopardy.
Sir Gavin has hosted a further roundtable with farmers as he seeks to increase the pressure on Government to change course.
Ed Stubbs, NFU Mid Staffs group secretary, said: “Staffordshire farmers were pleased to air their views and concerns to Sir Gavin and we hope he will continue to strongly make the case in Westminster for our industry which is currently under huge strain, with confidence at an all-time low and investment dropping day by day.
“Safeguarding our food security is an essential part of the nation’s ability to remain resilient to shocks at home and globally but Government policies announced since the election have only delivered blow after blow to farmers and growers’ confidence. Some sectors of UK farming are facing the worst cashflow crisis for generations.
"The NFU remains committed to working with all political parties to see food security, economic growth and environmental delivery at the heart of policy as that will help to make farm businesses confident, sustainable and profitable.
Staffordshire farmers are proud to produce food for 70 million British people, protecting our precious countryside and we need to see decisive action, including an end to the family farm tax, to secure business confidence, investment and growth”.
Sir Gavin said: “The Government must urgently listen to farmers and row back on damaging political choices, which are ruining the lives of farmers, their families, and rural communities.
“Staffordshire NFU members are seriously concerned and the Government must act before farming in the UK is consigned to the history books.
“I will continue to meet with NFU members and do everything I can to persuade Ministers to change course.”
