Farmers ‘not impressed’ with Government’s policies

New scheme is 'trying to get farmers out'

Local farmers, many of whom voted Conservative at the last General Election, took the opportunity to tell Liberal Democrats at Holsworthy Show how worried they are about the future of farming.

Lib Dems heard a widespread view that the Government is not getting it right with its Environmental Land Management Scheme, which pays farmers for protecting the environment but not for food production. The Lib Dems claim that the Government has 'botched' the transition to the new system, which represents a cut to farm funding compared to the Basic Payments Scheme which is being phased out now that the UK is no longer a member of the EU. To protect small livestock farmers such as those in our part of the country, they say that the Basic Payments Scheme should be maintained at its current level until the new system is available to all farmers.

Farmers at Holsworthy confirmed this view, with one beef and sheep farmer from Shebbear even saying that the new scheme is 'trying to get farmers out'. Others are bitter that the new arrangements will continue to benefit owners of large estates and those not interested in food production. One beef farmer from Bideford said:

'Give less to the rich, bigger farmers, and give more to the average small farmers on family farms.'

'We want a fair price for what we produce,' added a dairy farmer from Okehampton.

The new scheme was criticised for having 'too many rules and regulations' and not being focussed on food. In the light of the war in Ukraine, the Government should be boosting UK food production; however, the evidence from Holsworthy reveals that farmers round here are responding to increased costs of fuel, fertiliser and feed by cutting back on the amount they produce.

In the light of what this sample had to say about the new trade deals with Australia and New Zealand negotiated by Liz Truss, the prospect of the Conservatives improving their standing among farmers looks dim.

'No trade deals with them. It kills the trade', said one previously Conservative voter from Bideford. 'We're better without it' said another from Ashreigney. 'Produce at home first', commented another, whilst the Shebbear farmer said he was 'not impressed.'

The comments come as NFU president Minette Batters hit out at the Government for 'steamrollering' the UK-Australia trade deal through without parliamentary scrutiny. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, she said:

'The Government gave a clear commitment, not only to the industry, but to all NGOs and parliamentarians and they have broken that commitment.'

David Wilson, Parliamentary spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats, said:

'The new scheme is not fit for purpose and lacks clarity, making it incredibly hard for farmers to plan for the future. The Lib Dems are campaigning to protect British farmers and maintain food standards. The Government have botched the transition away from the EU agricultural system and have failed to commit to maintaining our high animal welfare and environmental standards for imported foods.'

'There is an important message here, not just for farmers, but for everyone who wants to see this area prosper: we cannot trust this Government to look after rural interests.'