As soon as I became an MP, one of my main priorities was working out how best to champion the thriving rural community we have in Ribble Valley and make sure farmer voices are heard in Westminster.
I joined the NFU’s new Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme, which has enabled myself and other MPs to see first-hand how sustainable and affordable food gets from field to fork.
The year-long itinerary has covered a variety of different farming sectors, including poultry, livestock and horticulture. We’ve visited farms in Liverpool, Shropshire, Stowmarket and beyond, and these visits have complimented the meetings I’ve been having with farmers here in Ribble Valley.
I’m looking forward to continuing the scheme and taking back my findings to Parliament, where I’ll be focused on highlighting the critical role of food security in delivering national security and showcasing the investment and innovation needed to drive the future of agriculture in the UK.
