Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch County, has recognised the vital role local farmers are contributing to the economy, the countryside and food production as she pledged to Back British Farming at an event in Westminster last week (13 September).
Farming in the West Midlands contributes £828 million to the local economy and provides 42,903 jobs – this is on top of the safe, affordable food farmers produce and British countryside they maintain. In addition to its role producing food, farming also supports the work of other industries, such as vets, solicitors, surveyors and feed merchants.
The event in Westminster was held by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) as a rallying call to MPs to support farming – during a particularly crucial period for British farming as the Brexit negotiations begin.
Rachel said: “There are so many worthy reasons to support British farmers - they are responsible for securing our fantastic British food supply, looking after our world-renowned countryside and sustaining a dynamic rural economy, such as we enjoy in the areas around Redditch.
“These reasons are why I have pledged to Back British farming in Westminster and to ensure our decisions in Parliament reflect the strategic importance of British food and farming to the nation.
“As one of the sectors that will be most affected by Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, it is critical that as politicians we create the right regulatory environment to ensure our farmers can continue to provide the safe and affordable food that the public trust and demand.”