Stuart wants to champion our farmers, meeting farmers across South Shropshire to raise their voice in Parliament on issues such as fairness in the supply chain and food security.
Growing up in nearby Herefordshire, one of my first jobs was as a farm hand. I have a deep understanding of the vital role that farmers play in our communities.
Farming is a fundamental part of life in South Shropshire. Shropshire has the highest number of farm holdings of any county in England, with farming and agriculture forming nearly 20% of enterprises in Shropshire. Nationally, the UK food and farming industry provides generates £120 billion for the UK economy each year.
Aside from the statistics, I know from speaking to local residents that our farmers are an immense source of local pride. We know the part that farming plays in our national life, not just putting food on our tables but as part of the rich cultural history of our countryside, and a source of widespread global recognition.
It is often the case however that the voice of farmers is lost in the national conversation, and their livelihoods can be overlooked in pursuit of other interests. Yet recent global events have brought to light the need for food security. We have to be able to rely upon our farmers to provide the food we need.
The farming industry is going through a whole host of changes in light of Britain's withdrawal from the EU, with the changes to funding and the shift towards environmental priorities.
As Member of Parliament for South Shropshire, I am committed to:
Listening to what farmers need most and the challenges they face;
Supporting the achievements of our farmers and by giving them a voice in the national conversation;
Delivering the funding and support that will give our farmers the confidence they need.
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