Banff and Buchan MP welcomes major boost for north-east farmers

‘I know first-hand just how great a contribution farmers make to our everyday lives while helping to boost the UK economy.’

David Duguid MP has welcomed a major boost to British farmers with a package of measures to help people “buy British” and provide farmers with the cashflow they need to invest in their businesses.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,Thérèse Coffey has backed calls for industry-led action to signpost customers to “buy British” when they shop online while increasing campaigns to endorse the taste and quality of home-grown meat and dairy products.

Mr Duguid attended the Back British Farming receptionat the UK Parliament with the new NFU Scotland chief executive John Davidson, Ms Coffey and Agriculture Minister Mark Spencer.

The UK Government has also confirmed that farmers producing sustainable British food under environmental land management schemes will be able to use them to help meet public procurement standards, benefiting British farmers and allowing the public sector to benefit from more excellent British food.

To ensure British produce is enjoyed both at home and around the world, the UK Government has started the recruitment drive appointment of five extra agri-food attaches to unlock new trading markets, adding a further boost to the UK’s food and drink exports which bring £24 billion to the British economy.

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid said: “Having grown up on a family farm near Turriff and now representing large farming communities across Banff and Buchan, I know first-hand just how great a contribution they make to our everyday lives while helping to boost the UK economy.

“I very much welcome this package of measures to support our farmers and food producers who must always be at the heart of our plans to grow the economy and build a more prosperous country.

“It’s very positive that the UK Government is embarking on the next steps to back British farmers, including through the farm to fork summit earlier this year.

“These range of measures will help customers make more informed choices when seeking British products while shopping.”

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