NFU HIGHLIGHT FARMERS WORRIES AT MEETING IN TREGONY

NFU Leaders and local farmers met with leading Liberal Democrat, Terrye Teverson, last week to highlight serious issues facing the industry in Cornwall.

Andrew Butler, NFU Food and Farming advisor in the South West, David Berridge, Chairman of Truro NFU and local farmers met Mrs Teverson at Penhasken Farm, near Tregony.

"Farming has been the backbone of life in Cornwall for centuries yet it seems to be being run into the ground by the current economic situation and government policy," Mrs Teverson said.

"I was particularly concerned to learn how much the increase in Tuberculosis cases across the South West is costing the taxpayer in compensation. Dairy farmers are continuing to lose prime breeding stock just at the time they can least afford it."

Mr Berridge and the other farmers also expressed concern about the current milk price that is not in line with the cost of production making many family run farms in the area completely unviable.

Mrs Teverson, who comes from a farming background in Cornwall added: "Lots of dairy farmers have diversified their business to provide Value Added products such as cheese and ice cream. Without diversifying no small farm can survive, and even then it's pretty tough going when the banks won't lend to small businesses and customers aren't spending as much."

Mrs Teverson welcomed new initiatives to help food producers sell directly to the local community which have seen local sourced food used in Cornish primary schools and the Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske.

"Farming's not an easy business to be in these days. I am particularly sad to see how many small farms have disappeared because of the economic situation. This means that getting young people started in farming is almost impossible unless it is handed down in the family. We need more initiatives which help farmers sell directly to their community - this supports rural jobs and the rural economy, as well reducing food miles."