Farmers discuss future with MP

HENLEY MP Freddie van Mierlo met with farmers as part of “rural round table” in Watlington.

Farmers from across the Henley and Thame constituency met with Freddie van Mierlo last Friday for a wide-ranging discussion at the town hall.

It was hosted jointly by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and was attended by more than two dozen farmers and representatives.

They raised a wide range of concerns, including the impact of cuts to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), uncertainty around Agricultural Property Relief (APR), Labour’s inheritance tax changes and the importance of stable long-term funding for nature recovery and food production.

Participants also discussed the pressures caused by rising input costs, energy prices and the wider challenges facing rural businesses.

Ted Howard-Jones provided an overview of issues from the perspective of the Christmas Common “cluster” before the discussion opened to the floor.

Speaking after the event Mr van Mierlo said: “Farmers are at the heart of our rural communities and central to restoring our natural environment.

“Today’s discussion was invaluable in hearing directly from local farmers about the pressures they are facing and what changes they want to see from government.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who attended, and to the CLA and NFU for bringing people together.

“I will continue working across Parliament to press for fair funding, clear regulation and long-term stability for British farming.”