Mary's McLaren the Suffolk County Council prospective candidate for the Peninsula Division talks farming

Farmers know all about storms and regardless of the weather they are out there come rain or shine caring for their livestock and/or managing the planting or harvesting of crops.

But the perfect storm is upon them in 2021. Over the years, farming technology and changes in farming practices has reduced the workforce considerably and for example harvest is mainly supported by subcontracted teams with heavy machinery and temporary workers from the UK and overseas. Covid-19 has now put paid to the movement of labour and many agricultural staff at present will have been furloughed or are unemployed .

Further, I am conscious of recent changes to farming subsidies following our departure from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and hope to work closely with local farmers to ensure their interests are protected in the future.

Being carbon neutral by 2030 for farming has meant that subjects such as carbon sequestration and carbon storage are being considered by the government, farming organisations and farmers themselves. This could change how farmers manage their businesses. The current Microsoft study in America is an interesting slant on carbon reduction.

In addition farming businesses are looking for better Broadband, increased policing and a reduction in illegal fly tipping.

On 23 and 24 February 2021 the virtual Annual Conference and the virtual Annual General Meeting of the NFU will be held at which many of these subjects will be under discussion.

But the very isolation and pressure on farming within a rural community brings with it the dangers of mental ill health and depression to farmers and their families which most of the time none of us would even think about. However the farming industry and communities have created networks that farmers can access for support.

What about the future for young people wishing to pursue a career in farming and agricultural businesses? Certainly, the Prince's Countryside Fund and the Tractor Company - New Holland have implemented schemes to encourage young people to invest in their future in the countryside. In Suffolk, we need to be involved in educational and work schemes to bring the next generation into this established and necessary industry.

The Peninsula brings a variety of farming scenarios from the Highland Cattle very much at home grazing on the banks of the Stour to the thousands of sheep under the care of a very able shepherdess. As well as all the arable farms who provide our country side with a patchwork of green, hedges and bio-diversity.

As communities we must pay tribute to these key workers who have worked continuously and very quietly through the pandemic regardless of the restrictions and a national crisis.

The County Council Conservative Group's message for this coming election on 6 May 2021 is:

BUILD BACK BETTER

BUILD BACK STRONGER

BUILD BACK GREEN

If you have difficulty in taking time off the farm as the weather changes and the work increases, please consider applying for a postal vote.

Go to the Babergh District Council Website and Access "How to Vote"

Or Telephone 0300 123 4000 and choose Option 7

My own personal message to the Farming Community is I am very willing to listen to your ideas and problems to try in some measure to understand how it really is.

Tele:- 01787 312363

Email:- [email protected]

Promoted by Philip Faircloth-Mutton on behalf of Mary McLaren

Both of SSCA 4 Byford Road, Sudbury , Suffolk CO10 2YG