Following recent increased investment and support for British farmers by the Prime Minister set out at the UK Farm to Fork Summit, Natalie Elphicke MP visited local farmer, Nigel Snape, at his farm in Capel-le-Ferne to talk about local farming and support.
Natalie has been a strong advocate for strengthening our food security. She met with farmers and representatives of the NFU last year where she called for national food security targets to be set alongside environmental ones.
She has welcomed new investment and support for British farmers set out at the UK Farm to Fork Summit held in Downing Street last month.
Representatives from the whole food supply chain came together at 10 Downing Street for the summit, to identify further opportunities to boost growth, drive innovation and improve sustainability. The summit fulfils a commitment made by the Prime Minister last summer.
Visiting local farmers at Snape Farms, Natalie was shown this summer’s wheat crop and was able to discuss diversification and how the farm is protecting our biodiversity, including Wildflower planting that provides habitats for pollinators and butterflies.
Following the visit Natalie Elphicke MP said, “Snape Farms is one of a number of successful working farms in our local area. I am pleased to see first-hand diversification and measures that are protecting our countryside and contributing to our food security.”
“Our area is home to a number of successful and efficient working farms. They make a strong contribution to both our food security and local economy – growing food crops as well as protecting our countryside environment. I welcome the new investment and support for British farmers announced by the Government.”
Nigel Snape of Snape Farms said: “Natalie has shown a real interest in sustainability and innovation in farming and land use. It was a pleasure to meet with her at my farm to talk about how we are diversifying through renewable energy projects alongside strengthening biodiversity in our countryside. It has been a challenging time for farmers, and additional government support for food security, renewables and diversification is vital.”