Nusrat Ghani, the Conservative MP for Wealden, has met members of the National Farmers’ Union's Next Generation Forum at a local farm, to discuss issues concerning farming and agriculture, and hear their views on the future of farming, food and energy security.
Almost three quarters of land in Wealden is farmed, directly employing over 2,300 people, and contributing to the £1.25 billion generated by farmers across the South East annually. Nusrat has previously hosted meetings at farms in Nutley, Hartfield and Arlington, and is in regular touch with local farmers to discuss their concerns.
At this most recent meeting in Fletching, Next Generation farmers engaged Nusrat in discussions about new agricultural policies, provision of livestock infrastructure in East Sussex, animal husbandry and welfare, and the importance of buying local produce to reduce carbon emissions and support British farming.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Farmers are the lifeblood of Wealden’s economy and I hold regular meetings with local members of the NFU at farms across the constituency to discuss their concerns and offer support. It was great to speak to a group of our young farmers who are representing the local industry, and learn more about their visions for the future of the sector and issues impacting their work locally.
I am proud that Wealden countryside is home to many exceptional family farms that play a key role in producing some of the best British products enjoyed in the UK as well as overseas. I will always champion our fantastic farmers who work hard all year round to keep the nation fed and I continue to advocate for Wealden supermarkets to focus on offering customers more of our quality, sustainably sourced local produce.”