Shropshire farmers’ concerns addressed at county annual meeting

 The NFU Shropshire annual general meeting, led by county chair Graham Price, welcomed the farmer and senior officeholder to the Wroxeter Hotel where she addressed more than 50 farmers, growers and industry stakeholders.

Meetings with MPs as part of the mass lobby event in London and the impact of changes to inheritance tax on family farms featured heavily with a vow the NFU was “in it for the long haul” for county farmers and members across the country.

Mrs Hallos spoke about the NFU’s “phenomenal reach” and work influencing politicians on farming policy in Westminster and said it remained vital following the Autumn Budget.

“The repercussions from the Budget are immense for us as food producers and for the wider industry from APR, BPR and some of the other proposed changes,” she said.

“The attention on this remains huge and I would like to thank all of you for getting involved and we ask you to continue to do your bit because we can’t do this on our own.

“We had 200 MP meetings in Westminster on the day of the mass lobby, nothing like that has been seen before and the work continues to strongly make the industry’s case.

“As farmers we remain hurt, angry and upset and the NFU will continue to fight for you, its members.

“We are looking at what happens next, this is not going away and we are in it for the long haul.”

She said an exceptionally tough year for the industry and concerns over the Budget, meant it had never been more important for farmers to speak with their family, friends and neighbours.

“This is going to be a long hard winter and I would urge you to get in touch and check in with each other,” she said. 

“At this time we need to support one another.”  

Reports were also heard from Mr Price alongside those representing county farmers on regional and national sector boards, as well as branch news from those across the county from Oswestry to Newport and Ludlow to Market Drayton.