West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the efforts of local farmers and food producers as harvest season hits its peak.

The MP met with local farmers and representatives from the National Farmers’ Union to talk about the continued challenges they face following Brexit and the pandemic.

Harriett was briefed on worker shortages and new regulations regarding soil care. The farmers also shared their concerns about the future of the local hop growers and the impact that international trade deals may have on their businesses.

Harriett said:

“I regularly meet with local farmers to hear their news. Agriculture and food production are two major sector employers in West Worcestershire and it is helpful to chat to them and understand their challenges.

“I’ve already been able to raise one of their concerns with Government Ministers and clarified new soil management regulations for them and have agreed to listen in on national briefings about labour shortages.

“We all hope for good weather to allow the farmers to harvest their crops in the coming weeks and hope that local produce continues to be the star ingredient in the nation’s breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.”

Photo: Front row (l-r) Harriett Baldwin MP, Ali and Richard Capper at their Stocks Farm in Suckley together with local farmers and NFU representatives.