Farming is Somerset’s second biggest business – but Somerset farmers have to try harder. The soil may be rich, but the landscape doesn’t make it easy for anyone….everything from frequently-flooded wetlands on the Levels to bleak hills. Dairy farming is in the doldrums. Sheep farming is much less than lucrative. Farm incomes are at an all-time low. Subsidies are always under threat. European Agricultural Policy is being reformed. And many who work on the land believe that central government ignores their plight. I have created a Farm Forum within the constituency to ensure that local expertise is heard and properly used.
The following links may be useful:
(the two biggest food producers in the constituency)
- http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/whats-on/farmers-markets A link to farmers markets
- http://www.fwi.co.uk/Home/Default.aspx Farmers Weekly
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs DEFRA
- https://www.nfuonline.com/about-us/our-offices/south-west/ NFU in the South West
- http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ The Countryside Alliance
- http://www.cla.org.uk The Country Land and Business Association
- http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/ Linking Environment and Farming
- http://www.rpa.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/home Rural Payments Agency
