Don’t bet the farm on Boris and the Conservatives says David Chalmers
Don't bet the farm on Boris and the Conservatives says David Chalmers, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torridge and West Devon after meeting farmers at Holsworthy Livestock Market today
Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Torridge and West Devon, David Chalmers attended Holsworthy Livestock Market this Wednesday 20 November. He spent the morning talking with farmers and local businesses and hearing their concerns.
Speaking at the market, David said:
"Farmers across Devon produce goods which are respected, valued and sought after across the world due to our high food and welfare standards and our strong commitments to the environment.
I was delighted to meet with many farmers and friends today at Holsworthy Market. Markets are a key part of the fabric of rural life and do not just provide a place to buy and sell but give people a place to meet up, socialise and catch up on news.
Every time I come here I am stuck by how resilient and resourceful our farmers are, but undoubtedly the industry is facing many pressures at the moment from low prices for lamb, beef and milk to disruption to yields from climate change and the associated flooding events and droughts we have recently experienced.
But above all, farmers spoke about Brexit as a dark cloud on the horizon. Farming requires long term investment and the current uncertainty is having a very negative impact on all. The half baked deal the Conservatives have negotiated with the EU provides no certainty for farmers and will not 'get Brexit done' - indeed it allows for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit in 2020.
Farmers I spoke to in Holsworthy were rightly concerned about Brexit in whatever form it takes. Brexit is a threat to our largest agricultural export market and could reduce the supply of much needed agricultural workers from abroad. It also provides no certainty on farming subsidies into the medium term which are vital to many family farms.
Furthermore, I don't trust Borris to prioritise British farmers in any future trade deal negotiated with Donald Trump. Any trade deal with America would invariably involve agriculture and US farmers dumping hormone fed beef and chlorinated chicken into our markets at low prices.
If you are a farmer or from a agricultural background. When it comes to voting in this election on December 12th I urge you to consider - do you trust Borris to look after British farming interests and negotiate with the EU and US on your behalf? I know if I was a farmer I wouldn't bet the farm on Borris and the Conservatives.
A vote for me, David Chalmers as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Torridge and West Devon will stop the Brexit uncertainty once and I will stand up for the farmers and agricultural businesses in our area."
