FARMING CHAMPIONS HONOURED AT DOWNING STREET RECEPTION
Local farming champions were honoured at a Downing Street reception, where they got to talk to the environment minister on the challenges facing rural communities.
Bill Mellor and his daughter Hannah, who run Higher Farm in Hazel Grove, a 49 hectare all grass land farm on the urban fringe of Stockport, joined other farmers from across the country.
The farm has around 70 pedigree Simmental cattle and 60 breeding ewes, with all their produce sold locally. Bill and Hannah, who has a degree in agriculture and animal science, were invited down to Westminster by Hazel Grove Conservative parliamentary candidate, Paul Athans.
Farmer, Bill Mellor said:
“I am a farmer who cares deeply for our industry. It was a great opportunity for me to discuss my work on BVD (an important endemic disease in cattle) with the Minster for Farming, Mark Spencer MP and I was reassured by his knowledge on the subject.
“I’ve noticed an improvement recently at DEFRA in the way it operates, and Mark and Steve Barclay’s words echoed my experiences as a local farmer.
“I thank Paul for inviting my daughter and I. It was an excellent event.”
Thanking Bill and Hannah for joining him, Paul said:
“As an army officer I place our national security as one of my priorities, and a key part of this is food security. That’s why I’m backing British food and drink.
“Bill and Hannah sell all their produce exclusively within Britain and almost entirely in our area. So, it was an absolute pleasure to be able to invite them to Downing Street to thank them for their contribution locally and also recognise Bill’s work on BVD nationally.”
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP added:
“It was hugely enjoyable to meet so many people involved in putting world-class food on our tables and caring for our countryside at the farming reception, along with their local Conservative MPs and candidates.
“By coming together to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our rural economy and fishing industry, we can ensure we do everything possible to support the sectors, bolstering this country’s food security while also protecting and enhancing our treasured natural heritage for the benefit of generations to come.
“Only the Conservatives have a plan for our rural and coastal communities. Keir Starmer snipes from the sidelines but has no plan for safeguarding this country’s food security. A Labour government would take our rural economy and fishing industry back to square one.”
Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP said:
“Our farmers and fishing industry are crucial to keeping this country fed, so it was great to meet so many of those who work in both sectors, and the Conservative MPs and candidates who represent them, at Downing Street. This Conservative government will always listen to the concerns of our rural and coastal communities and is committed to working with them to help them thrive.”
