NFU leader meets up with local MP

Terry Jones, Director General of the NFU, met local MP, David Rutley, and farmers from the Macclesfield area to discuss key issues, including environmental land management.

The meeting was well-attended with around ten members from the local farming community. They were grateful for the opportunity to raise issues and concerns with Mr Jones during his first visit to the area. The event was kindly hosted by Mr Paul Dean and his family, at Midgeley Farm in Wincle and was organised by Ms Helen Wainwright, the NFU’s Cheshire County Adviser. 

The rollout of Environmental Land Management schemes and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) programme were actively discussed. The SFI will pay farmers to adopt and maintain sustainable farming practices, which protect and enhance the natural environment alongside food production and farm productivity. Local farmer’s welcomed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) taking the SFI forward, but expressed their concerns about the pace of the rollout and the complicated application process.

Local farmers were also keen to explore and adopt new sources of energy, such as solar and on-shore wind. In addition, improving broadband speeds and mobile phone reception were highlighted as being important to help farmers become more productive and support rural communities. 

David also learned how £220,878 has been awarded to farmers and foresters in Macclesfield by the Government, as part of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, has been utilised. From seed drills to cattle handling systems, it is clear local farmers made good use of the funding.

Mr Jones has been the NFU Director General since 2016, having a wealth of experience in supporting and sustaining farming and the food and drink sector. David and Mr Jones previously worked together to promote British farming and protect UK food supply chains when David served as Minister for Food at DEFRA. 

NFU County Adviser Helen Wainwright added, “It was great to meet David once again and so many of our members showcasing the great work our farmers do in the county and also discussing some challenges they face.  I would like to thank David and Terry for taking their time to attend this meeting and the Dean family for hosting on their wonderful farm.”

Speaking after the meeting, David said “This meeting was an important opportunity to speak to local farmers about their important work as custodians of our wonderful local countryside, as well as producers of much-valued food. Over the last 18 months, we have seen how vital food security is following the start of the war in Ukraine. I am grateful to Terry for taking the time to meet with me and local farmers to discuss a wide range of issues, which will help better protect and sustain our agricultural sector and the environment for years to come.”