Jenni Dudman

AN MP is calling for more support for Cheshire farmers impacted by rising energy prices. Weaver Vale Labour MP Mike Amesbury learned about farmers’ concerns during a catch-up event hosted by Graham Warburton at Warburtons Farm in Frodsham, with other farms represented from Kingsley, Runcorn, Nantwich and Congleton.

Arranged by the National Farmers’ Union, the MP heard many issues predated the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But the conflict had magnified the situation, including the volatility of the marketplace and rocketing energy bills.

Mr Amesbury said: “Arable and dairy farmers told me about soaring energy and other input costs, triggering uncertainty for the future. Diesel, for example, has more than doubled in price. Electricity costs for milking the cows and cooling the milk are spiralling.

“Fertiliser has gone up in price. And there was concern about having to import fertiliser at a time when CF Fertilisers at Ince was offline, due to rising gas prices, since confirmed as a permanent closure putting 283 jobs at risk.

“Although not based in my constituency, this closure will impact on staff living in Weaver Vale as well as Cheshire farmers. Myself and neighbouring Ellesmere Port & Neston Labour MP Justin

Madders are calling for Government intervention to rescue the situation.”

The MP, who is Shadow Local Government Minister, added: “Government support for impacted industries has been inadequate and this is the consequence. Labour would bring in a £600 million contingency fund, raised by the windfall tax on oil and gas producer profits, for struggling sectors and businesses.

“We would also cut taxes for businesses by giving SMEs a discount on their business rates bill worth up to £5,700 this year.”

Other key asks from the farmers included lobbying over the need to address acute labour shortages. And there was a consensus that former industrial sites were most appropriate for solar farms rather than agricultural land.

Mr Amesbury said it was “worrying” a Government adviser this week said only about half his recommendations had been taken on in a long-awaited food strategy.

He concluded: “Farmers are rightly proud of their role in feeding the nation but determined this should be higher up the political agenda. Reassurances are sought around Government support to help farmers get through these challenging times due to the volatility of the marketplace.”

● Telephone: 0151 472 2755 ● email: jennifer.dudman@ liverpool.com