ON the last day of this year's Great Yorkshire Show Alex Sobel MP met with representatives from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Lloyds Bank to address pressing issues faced by the farming community.

The visit focused on finding sustainable solutions to combat the cost-of-living crisis, tackle seasonal staff shortages, and accelerate the journey to achieving Net Zero emissions.

Alex, the Labour MP for Leeds North West, said: “The meetings emphasized the significance of agriculture and its vital role in the UK's economy and food security. Recognizing the concerns raised by farmers and their representatives, highlighted the urgent need to address the escalating cost of living crisis that has impacted rural communities disproportionately.

"Add to this, the uncertainty there still is over the requirements of the Government’s new Sustainable Farming Incentive funding (which were to replace EU farming Grants), leaving farmers with reduced grants of up to 50% this year. Many farmers have simply given up on farming or diversified their land for other use, others are barely hanging on and may be tempted into taking unregulated private finance which could result in good farmland being locked into alternative uses.”

During discussions with representatives from the NFU, and the local farms, the focus shifted towards addressing seasonal staff shortages, which have severely impacted farming operations in recent years.

Alex said: “During the meeting it was stressed to me the importance of seasonal workers for our food security and that many EU workers are no longer coming to the UK as they feel unwelcome here.

"This has, particularly in the case of free-range egg production, along with rising fuel and feed costs, led to a shrinkage in the market as some farmers are leaving their shed empty, claiming taking a hit on the rising mortgage costs are less of a loss than filling their sheds. Potato farmers are also suffering from the same staffing problems.”

In line with the UK's ambitious Net Zero target, the conversation shifted towards the journey to sustainable agriculture.

Alex stated: “It is encouraging to see the efforts made by farmers in adopting environmentally friendly practices and the need to continue this momentum towards achieving Net Zero emissions. The discussions explored the role of technology, innovation, and policy support in aiding farmers' transition to a greener future.”

Alex, also had a constructive dialogue with Lloyds Bank, discussing the financial challenges faced by farmers and the need for tailored financial support.

Alex concluded: "Labour has a strong vision for the future of farming and the need for a fairer agricultural market that benefits both farmers and consumers, we recognise the challenges faced by farmers, particularly smaller-scale ones, in the face of volatile market conditions and powerful corporate buyers. We will continue to develop specific policies and initiatives and they will be refined through ongoing consultations and engagement with experts, farmers, stakeholders, and the wider public."