So many of us are now starting to really feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. This week I met with members of the farming community in and around Lancaster who are struggling with the hike in the cost of gas and electricity, spiralling bills and a chronic shortage of people wanting to take on farm work.
Our farmers feel undervalued and ignored citing a constant ‘race to the bottom’ to produce food as cheaply as possible whilst maintaining high standards of animal and land welfare. One in five farmers are living below the poverty line. This can’t be right.
We are going to have to give much greater thought to food security. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has led to significant food shortages across the world, including here in the UK and proves how our dependency can make us vulnerable. Here in Lancashire we’re in a unique position to produce more food for local consumption with the county boasting thriving businesses specialising in horticulture, arable, dairy and meat. We need to to make sure our young people are taught about the importance of our farming industry and encourage them to consider farming as a rewarding career and one that rewards financially.
I’d like to thank everyone for coming along and giving of their time to update me on the challenges the farming industry is facing. I’ll do all I can to support you.
