Farmers dig in with minister

Local farmers were given the chance to greet the government’s farming minister recently.

Mark Spencer visited the South Holland branch of the National Farmers Union (NFU).
There he met local farmer and NFU member to discuss challenges facing the industry.
The discussion included pressures on food costs, the sustainable farming incentive, grant funding on capital expenditure and labour provision.
Sir John Hayes arranged the meeting and said: “Farmers and growers in our area had asked to meet the minister to discuss a range of issues.
“I was delighted Mark was able to come up and hear first-hand from our excellent local farmers and businesses from across our area’s agricultural and horticultural industry.”
Sir John continued: “It was a really good meeting and great to have a senior member of the cabinet in Spalding.
“There were lots of questions asked and a lot of issues raised.
“It was a no holds barred meeting and there was a healthy exchange of ideas, but it was all friendly.
“Mark is a farmer himself so knows all about the challenges those in the industry face and able to talk their language.”