Helen met local farmers in Chart Sutton yesterday. The visit was hosted by Peter Forknall at his diary farm, where they were joined by fruit and cereal farmers. The conversation included discussion of the effect of the Living Wage on fruit farms, the Basic Payment Scheme, wheat and milk prices.
Helen said: “Farming is important to the local economy, but it’s a tough business. That’s why I’m taking the time to get to know local farmers and to find out how I can support them. Local fruit farmers I’ve spoken to support the Living Wage but it will increase their costs significantly. The question they’re asking is whether supermarkets and ultimately customers will be willing to pay more for British fruit. I’m going to be following up on this with the Government. ”