MP kept up to date with farming issues

10.35.51am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 27th Sep 2006

Local MP Tim Farron met last night with around 30 local farmers at Kendal Rugby Club to discuss current farming issues in Westmorland and Lonsdale. Some of the key topics discussed included the power of big supermarket chains, the failings of the Rural Payments Agency and the need for more flexible planning laws to give farmers more flexibility.

After the meeting, Tim said:

"It was a lively discussion and I enjoyed it immensely. There were some tough questions, to which I gave honest and hopefully helpful answers. It is vital that we protect and strengthen the farming industry, an industry so vital to our local economy and rural communities in general. Farming is also integral to protecting our environment and our landscape, which underpins the vital tourism industry.

"I also believe it is important that this country retains the ability to produce its own, natural and organic food, yet another reason why farming is such an important aspect of life in Britain".