Calls for more government support for Cornish farmers amid rising cost of living
A debate has been held in Parliament
There are calls for the government to provide more support for farmers, in places like Cornwall, as the cost of living crisis continues to soar.
Truro and Falmouth's MP has spoken in a debate in Parliament to share the concerns of farmers across the Duchy.
Cherilyn Mackrory says many are struggling to absorb soaring input costs, including fuel, feed and fertiliser. She noted input costs are increasing three times faster than the headline UK inflation rate, leaving our food security under threat.
Government support for farmers so far includes delaying the introduction of changes to use of urea fertiliser, launching a new grant scheme for storing slurry on farms, and committing to spending £600million on farm-based innovation.
However, Cherilyn urged the government to consider the full range of options available to support farmers further.
This includes helping them invest in alternative technologies and ensuring ministers assess the impact new policies or regulations on domestic food production. In addition, she urged the government to produce on-farm business advice to support farmers with the transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme.
Cherilyn said: “Farming is a vitally important industry in Cornwall and has helped shape the landscape we see today. We have hundreds of fantastic farmers from all backgrounds who are passionate about growing an abundant supply of food. We must enable these farmers to produce food efficiently if they are to continue to play their essential role in the Southwest rural economy.
"The war in Ukraine has pushed up the already sky-high input costs of the three F’s: fertiliser, fuel and feed. These price rises come at a time when the industry is facing longer-term challenges… and the decisions farmers are making feel more like a gamble than ever before.
"Our farming industry is facing difficult circumstances with many farmers struggling to pay their bills and putting our food security under threat, but they are resilient and I look forward to continuing to meeting farmers to hear their concerns, and to make sure we back this vital industry going forward."
Responding, Victoria Prentis, Minister for Farming, Fisheries and Food said:
“The honourable lady for Truro Falmouth made a comprehensive speech, and she frequently presses me on behalf of her farmers and her fishermen. The future farming resilience fund is available to give exactly the sort of advice that she envisages. I would love to talk to her about that”.
The Minister also confirmed the Government’s commitment to a series of measures to help farmers with the pressures raised in the debate.