A hugely important part of my job as the Forest’s local MP is to look out for and engage with our farming community. I had a very informative and useful visit to one such farm in my constituency to better understand the challenges facing the industry. It was a pleasure to be given an interesting and enjoyable tour of the farm, especially to meet the British Blonde cows ‘Jessie J’ and ‘Pandora’ pictured below.
MPs from both sides of the House recently showed their support for the NFU’s annual ‘Back British Farming Day’ on the 2nd of November. Farmers play a huge role as the producers of our food and the caretakers of our environment, and the Prime Minister recently voiced his support for all that farmers do for our rural communities.
The Government will make sure our farmers have the support they need to thrive. To kickstart efforts to grow the horticulture sector and boost domestic production, the Environment Secretary has committed a further £12.5m investment in automation and robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme on top of more than £70 million spent so far on industry-led research and development.
The fund opens in January with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and will match-fund projects that will drive economic growth, food security and deliver on environmental commitments.
