Farmers want their problems championed by new MP

5:58pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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THE National Farmers Union has brought agriculture to the top of the agenda in the by-election run-in.

Agriculture's ability to both feed the nation whilst providing long term solutions to climate change are at the top of the political agenda, so the NFU gave Tory candidate, barrister Edward Timpson, the chance to outline his policies to the constituency's farmers.

Dairy farmer, Philip Berrisford hosted the meeting at Ellesmere Farm in Hough yesterday which was attended by approximately 15 local farmers as well as NFU Cheshire County Chairman, Richard Clegg, and NFU North West Combinable Crops Board Chairman, Richard Reeves.

Accompanying Mr Timpson was the Conservative Party s Shadow Minister for Agriculture Jim Paice.

When asked for his thoughts, host Mr Berrisford, said: "I have listened to debates about food security on TV and radio and my concern is that food production is becoming a soft political target.

"Headlines talk about the soaring price of butter on the supermarket shelves but people seem totally unaware of farmers' increased input costs.

"If you (the Conservative Party) get into power, one of the first things I'd like you to do is reiterate that farmers have the same costs as everybody else."

NFU Cheshire County Chairman, Richard Clegg, added: "Defra really is not fit for purpose. I want to see a dedicated Ministry for Agriculture. Defra is not supportive of British agriculture. The only body fighting for agriculture in this country is the NFU, especially in Brussels where it constantly fights legislation that our Government really should be fighting against on our behalf."

Jim Paice replied: "I agree we should go back to having a proper Minister for Agriculture. However I do believe there is a logic that environmental issues are linked in closely with agriculture. The tentacles of rural prosperity stretch a long way. The Ministry of Agriculture used to sponsor the industry where Defra seek to control it. That is a huge cultural shift."

Following the meeting, Nantwich's group secretary, Louise Young, said: "Meeting with prospective parliamentary candidates is a very useful exercise as it enables us to exchange views and update the candidates on current issues in agriculture.

"We have written to all the prospective candidates and have met Mr Timpson in person. Each year, Nantwich NFU members meet with their MP and this is something we wish to continue no matter who is elected."