Alicia Kearns MP met with the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Minister, Lord Benyon, to discuss the key issues facing our farmers locally:
- Many members of our community have voiced frustrations about dealing with The Rural Payments Agency (RPA), a vital body supporting farmers and rural communities. Alicia raised this with the Minister, suggesting the introduction of regional hubs or area representatives to assist farmers in contacting the body to request subsidies.
- Alicia also called for DEFRA to establish a trusted gas-fertiliser index, giving farmers more certainty surrounding gas and fertiliser prices. Given that such indices exist in grain, dairy and meat markets, it’s not unreasonable for farmers to expect greater transparency with fertiliser.
- Guidance stating that energy projects should not be built on best and most fertile (BMV) land are currently begin ignored to the detriment of our food security - Alicia urged the Minister to introduce legal protection for grade 3a land and above to protect our fertile agricultural land.
- Finally, Alicia asked the Minister to provide an update on DEFRA’S plans for a licensed cull this year, and any other measures they may have in place.
