My apologies, but due to 'time pressures' I have changed the subject from NIAB Soft Fruit Review (complex) to news from HortNews regarding The Prime Minister's invitation to NFU President Tom Bradshaw for a private discussion on farming issues
The Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer invites NFU President Tom Bradshaw to 10 Downing Street for discussions.
Below: Courtesy of HortNews
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held private talks with NFU President Tom Bradshaw at 10 Downing Street on Monday 25 November.
A No. 10 spokesman said, "The Prime Minister did meet the National Farmers' Union president Tom Bradshaw on Monday afternoon. They had a wide-ranging conversation in which the Prime Minister recognised the strength of feeling about the changes to agricultural property relief set out in the Budget and listened to the NFU's concerns."
They continued, "In the meeting they discussed the Government's commitments to solidly protecting the interests of British farmers including in trade negotiations and in public sector procurement, as well as working together to ensure environmental land management schemes deliver for farmers.
"But the Prime Minister took the opportunity to have a constructive conversation with Mr Bradshaw about why we believe the changes are the right approach and to discuss how they can work together to support British farmers."
Speaking at the UK Onion & Carrot Conference two days later, Mr Bradshaw elaborated on the meeting. "
Following the meeting, Tom said, "I welcome the Prime Minister asking to hear directly about farmers' concerns, and I am grateful to him for taking the time to do so. I hope we can work together towards a resolution on this issue. The PM engaged with us and made the time to hear our story and I really hope this marks a moment where we can move forwards and get to an outcome that works for everyone."
Speaking on 27 November Tom added that while he understood calls for more direct action, and could not stop farmers from doing so, the NFU now believed the Government needed some time to be able to review the polices announced in the Budget.
Disgruntled farmers in England and Wales have taken their complaints about the Budget's effects on agriculture and horticulture to busy ports in a display of direct action.
Farmers from Kent and the South East staged a go-slow protest in their tractors around Dover on 28 November. More than 150 vehicles carrying signs including 'No Farmers No Food No Future' and 'Back British Farmers' entered the town from the A2.
The protest was organised by Save British Farming and Fairness for Farmers, and Maidstone-based vegetable grower and wholesaler David Catt, said he was protesting in Dover because of tax measures announced in the Budget being the "final death knell" that will hit family farms that can least afford it.
Save British Farming founder Liz Webster added, "This Government has unleashed a really nasty culture war with their Budget. Are they hoping to motivate envy to back destruction (of) our farms which produce healthy and sustainable food and care for our countryside to sign a deal with Trump which delivers chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef?"
That night, Welsh farmers also blockaded Holyhead Port on Anglesey from between 10 pm and 4 am. NFU President Tom Bradshaw commented, "The NFU isn't involved in this protest, but it's an example of how angry and frustrated British farmers and growers are and we entirely understand why people feel the need to make their voices heard. Farmers from across the UK have made their feelings very clear by taking part in our mass lobby and the recent rally in Westminster to ask for change to this abhorrent family farm tax."
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That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man