With the NFU Conference taking place this week, Kevin visited James Wright, who breeds cows and sheep on his farm in North Devon.
The visit did not just involve talking! There was a chance to get hands-on as well to better understand the work farmers do every day to produce the food on our tables.
James is often in the national media talking about rural issues, including how farmers are being affected by government policy and the increasing impact of technology on agriculture. With spring nearing, James’ cows are about to calve and the summer is near.
It was good to learn about the direct impact on farmers not only of tax policy, particularly Labour’s changes to Inheritance Tax which have been dubbed “the Family Farm Tax”, but everything from planning restrictions preventing the provision of on-farm accommodation to the way regulation impacts on rural life.
Kevin said: "Our countryside cannot just be a dormitory for those who commute into a nearby town or simply a place to visit. It needs to be a vibrant place producing the food our nation needs, whilst supporting the communities which depend on it."
You can support our family farms by signing the petition against the family farm tax, which threatens to break up farms which have been in the same hands for generations. You can find it here
