Roz Savage MP has expressed her frustration after failing to receive a response from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, to a detailed letter addressing key concerns from South Cotswolds farmers.
The letter, sent following a significant farmers’ protest in London, outlined three critical requests for support.
Roz also attended a National Farmers’ Union (NFU) meeting with farmers across the constituency to directly hear their challenges and priorities. Discussions highlighted the urgent need for clear, long-term government planning to secure the future of British farming and the livelihoods of the next generation of farmers.
Following the meeting, Roz commented: “It was great to see the Wiltshire NFU farmers again, but at the same time, it left me feeling deeply saddened on their behalf. They have faced a rapid succession of whammies, including changes to payment schemes, rising costs, and the threat to their futures posed by the ending of Agricultural Property Relief, which feels like a kick in the teeth after Labour promised not to end APR before it came to power. They feel understandably upset and betrayed. Farmers look after more than two thirds of the land in our country. They grow our food. They play a key role in nature and wildlife conservation. They deserve a better deal than this, and I will continue to stand up and speak up on their behalf.”
Farmers across the South Cotswolds raised urgent issues, including abrupt funding cuts to capital grants, rising operational costs, and the looming impact of inheritance tax changes. The withdrawal of grants, which previously supported essential projects like fencing, pollution control, and flood prevention, has created financial strain and left many farmers unable to meet regulatory requirements.
Max Sealy, a farmer in Kington Langley, voiced his concerns: “The issue is we all have to engage with DEFRA, and we’re increasingly finding that DEFRA is failing to support its core function, which is delivering the Government’s agenda for farming. We need to call that out, and the capital grant cuts are a good example of that.”
The meeting also underscored concerns about the next generation of farmers. Many young people are hesitant to take on the challenges of farming amid financial instability and policy unpredictability. Intergenerational investments, often funded through loans, are becoming riskier, threatening the long-term sustainability of family farms.
Farmers expressed frustration with the Government’s approach, which they feel prioritises other sectors while overlooking the vital role of agriculture.
Roz Savage MP has pledged to continue advocating for farmers in Parliament, engaging other MPs, and holding DEFRA accountable for its responsibilities. She is also inviting Labour MPs to visit farms in the South Cotswolds to better understand the impact of current policies on rural communities.
Roz concluded: “Farming is not just about food production—it’s about community, conservation, and our country’s future. We need to ensure that farmers are supported with the policies and resources they need to thrive. I will continue to speak up for them and do all I can to support them as the stewards of our countryside.”