Farmers in Staffordshire have warned that government policies are putting their livelihoods at risk, as they met with MP Sir Gavin Williamson to raise concerns about tax changes and the withdrawal of key support schemes.
The meeting, attended by local NFU members, focused on the impact of the Government’s inheritance tax changes and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI). Farmers say these measures have left them struggling with financial uncertainty, with some fearing their businesses may not survive.
Speaking after the roundtable, Ed Stubbs, NFU Mid Staffs Group Secretary, said farmers were grateful for the opportunity to share their views, with confidence at an ‘all-time low’.
He 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.
“Stafford farmers and those across the country 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.”
The NFU has called for a policy shift to prioritise food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability, arguing that such an approach would give farm businesses the stability they need to invest and grow.
Sir Gavin Williamson, who is Member of Parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, said he would continue to press the Government for changes, warning that current policies are ‘ruining the lives of farmers’.
He 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.”
