Today’s snow storms did not stop a group of Ryedale farmers from meeting me to discuss the unique challenges faced by farmers in upland areas.
The host for the event was Dennis Easton of Low Ewe Cote Farm, Laskill and he told me how they all feel a great sense of responsibility for maintaining the beautiful landscape of the North York Moors National Park. He said this comes at a cost as many of the conditions of stewardship schemes cause major disruption and cost to their business. Mr Easton said ‘Simply maintaining the 26km of stone walls on my farm costs thousands of pounds a year and if I am expected to reduce fertiliser usage and restrict timing and stocking density of grazing patterns for the benefit of the environment I must be properly compensated. If the Government get these steward schemes wrong the next generation will be able to afford to stay farming in this valley'.
Other issues discussed included future international trade deals post Brexit, rural crime, Broadband and mobile phone connectivity.
It was good to meet this group of farmers who are passionate about producing food and work so hard to maintain the stunning environment in Bilsdale and to hear their concerns. I have taken away many action points to follow up and will continue to work with the farming community to maintain and grow this essential sector.