17TH APRIL VISIT TO HELSTON BY NICK HERBERT MP, SHADOW SECRETARY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

West Cornwall Farmers had the opportunity to explore what a Conservative government might mean for them when a large number of farmers and producers met Nick Herbert MP, Shadow Secretary of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at Helston Rugby Club on Saturday 17th April. Mr Herbert, accompanied by Derek Thomas, Prospective Conservative MP who organised the event, addressed a number of key topics, including the need to overhaul farming regulations to lift the burden of unnecessary paperwork and inspections from hard pressed farmers.

He also talked about Conservative plans to press for reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy to reflect concerns about the environment, the long term sustainability of UK farming and the relief of global poverty. The party’s Honest Food Campaign, to improve food labelling so that it will be easier for UK consumers to buy British, was also covered. Of direct concern to the audience, Mr Herbert explained the Conservative proposal to introduce an independent supermarket ombudsman to ensure fair competition for the benefit of farmers and consumers.

Following these opening remarks, Mr Herbert took questions from the floor before discussing individual concerns with members of the audience.

Afterwards, Derek Thomas said, “Farming in West Cornwall is a prime industry and I was pleased to be able to welcome Nick Herbert as the Shadow Secretary of State. I believe the challenges of this coming decade will focus heavily around fuel and food security and farmers will play an increasingly important role.  They need to get a fair price for their produce and be freed from unnecessary regulation". 

Photo shows (left to right): Derek Thomas, Steve Yandall, Nick Herbert and Phil Rogers