Rural MP, Andrew Griffith, was the guest speaker at the Annual General Meeting of the West Sussex branch of the National Farmers Union (NFU) on Friday (6th January).
The meeting was hosted by Richard Goring at Chalk Restaurant in Washington and chaired by West Sussex County Chair and farmer Dominic Gardner.
Andrew praised West Sussex farmers for their commitment to high standards in British food production and countryside stewardship. He welcomed the announcement from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) who have confirmed new funding for farmers which means more money for protecting and enhancing nature. The Sustainable Farming Incentive represents a potential increase of 50 per cent in funding for a 50-hectare farm where they currently receive grants.
The Arundel and South Downs MP recognised the challenges faced by farmers with the war in Ukraine pushing up energy and production costs up, saying the Government has energy and food security at the fore and which is why it is vital to support British farming. He wants consumers to be encouraged to buy British, a point which was echoed by farmers at the meeting calling for better food labelling. Andrew Griffith advised that the Government’s ‘Procurement Paper’ report is due to be announced shortly.
Other topics discussed included rural crime - with the welcome news that the Chief Constable Jo Shiner of Sussex Police will maintain a dedicated rural crime team - , and the need to fill the local skills gap to ensure more young people consider training for a career in farming.
West Sussex farmer and NFU delegate Caroline Harriott spoke about the Education Trust Fund which comprises of experienced farmers who are dedicated to the education and development of young people pursuing a future in agriculture and associated industries. The Fund supports young people studying at Brinsbury and Pumpton colleges with grants to help with things such as driving lessons and travel costs as well as providing first-hand experience with machine handling and mentoring.
Andrew Griffith said:
“Farmers are invaluable to our West Sussex countryside and our environment. They are crucial not only in ensuring there is food on our table, but also in protecting our nature and the local environment.
“I am and always will be a proud supporter of our farmers. I am therefore pleased that they have received the support and clarity that they need to build their business and support our communities.”
ENDS
Notes:
- Photograph 1 – Andrew Griffith with Dominic Gardner, West Sussex Farmer and NFU branch Chair, and Caroline Harriott, West Sussex Farmer and NFU delegate.
- Photograph 2 – Andrew Griffith MP speaking to NFU delegates.
- More info on the National Farmers Union – www.nfuonline.com
- Government Press release - Government to pay more to farmers who protect and enhance the environment - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-pay-more-to-farmers-who-protect-and-enhance-the-environment
- Transforming Public Procurement, The Procurement Bill - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-procurement-bill-summary-guide-to-the-provisions.
