PM’S first farm visit was chance to discuss issues affecting industry
This week SARAH DINES tells us about her day on a Derbyshire farm with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson
ON Friday, April 23, I welcomed the Prime Minister to Longstone Moor Farm in Stoney Middleton, to meet members of the NFU and discuss farming issues during the pandemic and the new opportunities for farmers now that we have left the European Union.
Although the farm is in the north of the constituency, the issues we discussed impact the whole of Derbyshire
Dales.
Obviously, I see and work with the Prime Minister often in Westminster, but it felt like a real privilege welcoming him to my constituency.
I was incredibly proud walking him up the farm drive to introduce my constituents to him and it was fantastic to discuss all things Derbyshire Dales with him.
This was the first farm visit the Prime Minister has done since he became the Prime Minister, which made the visit even more special.
The Prime Minister agreed with me that Derbyshire is one of the most beautiful places, not just in the UK, but the world.
We were incredibly lucky that the weather was glorious and that there were new lambs and calves to meet.
The farm was idyllic in the sunshine and in that moment, farming looked like a dream profession. Come a cold winter wind and I would have no doubt have felt a bit differently.
Come rain or shine our farmers work tirelessly to look after their animals and put food on our tables.
There is no such thing as a day off in farming and I think the reality of how hard farming is can be sometimes easy to forget.
I come from a farming family and my family knows first-hand that farming is an incredibly difficult profession, with incredibly long hours.
Around Ashbourne we have some wonderful farms and dairy farmers. Farmers are the custodians of the countryside and the way they farm is vital for areas like ours.
They are important to our local economy and our local environment.
One of things I love most about Derbyshire Dales and Ashbourne in particular, is how many local shops, restaurants and pubs use local produce. I am big supporter of the Shop Local campaign and I encourage everyone that can, to buy produce locally.
It benefits local people, our local economy and reduces our environmental impact. When you buy local, the whole of our area benefits.
As we emerge from the pandemic this government are determined to Build Back Better, and I truly believe that our farming industry is part of that.
Our farmers are a vital part of our local economy, providing jobs for people in rural communities and food for our tables.
Farmers also play a critical role in protecting our environment and helping to tackle climate change by locking carbon into soils.
During the pandemic, many of us relied on local food producers and suppliers. I remember at the start of the pandemic the empty shelves in supermarkets in direct contrast to the well-stocked local produce retailers.
I sincerely hope that those that benefited from small retailers during the pandemic continue to use them, so locally we do indeed Build Back Better.
An issue that local farmers raised with the Prime Minister and I was sheep worrying. This time of year, it is even more important to keep your dog on a lead.
A free-running dog can cause distress to pregnant ewes and may cause injury, suffering and in many cases can cause them to miscarry their young.
I am sure all dog owners would be horrified to hear that their actions could cause this, so please, if you are walking through fields of sheep at this time, keep your dog on a short lead.
You would be wrong to think that I would miss the opportunity to raise the Ashbourne by-pass once again with the Prime Minister.
I think he has come to expect me to mention it now, as I have done so many times.
I will be keeping him informed as progress is made.