FARMING is more than a livelihood in Central Devon. It is a way of life that sustains our communities, puts food on our tables and preserves the beautiful countryside that defines our county.

I recently met with NFU President Tom Bradshaw to discuss how we can strengthen that future and ensure farming in Devon continues to thrive.

During our discussion we covered a range of issues that matter deeply to rural communities, from Labour’s family farm tax to innovation, trade and the very real pressures caused by rising costs.

Across the country more than 470,000 people work directly in agriculture, which contributes over £10 billion each year to the UK economy.

Yet many family farms are feeling squeezed by higher input prices, tighter margins and uncertainty over future support. These are not abstract figures; they represent livelihoods and heritage built over generations.

Over the years I have visited countless farms, from dairy holdings near Crediton to hill farms across Dartmoor, and I have always been struck by the hard work, ingenuity and resilience of our local farmers.

I have stood up for them in Westminster time and again - fighting for fair trade deals, calling for action on rural crime and supporting investment in agri‑tech that can make a real difference on the ground.

Devon farmers have been leaders in sustainability and innovation, whether through precision farming or new methods of soil management, and they deserve policies that match their ambition.

That is why I am deeply concerned about the direction the current government appears to be taking.

The prospect of new burdens such as a family farm tax risks undermining the long‑term viability of farms and discouraging younger people from staying in the industry.

We should be easing the path for the next generation, not placing fresh barriers in their way.

At a time when global food security is under pressure and climate challenges are intensifying, Britain needs a vibrant agricultural sector more than ever.

This means policies that reward productivity, protect rural landscapes and support domestic food production.

It also means getting the basics right - infrastructure, broadband and local transport - so that our rural economy can compete on equal terms with urban areas.

I will continue to champion Central Devon’s farmers and rural businesses in Parliament, pressing ministers to deliver on their promises and to protect the way of life that underpins our communities.

Farming is not only about producing food; it is about stewardship, responsibility and pride in the land. Those are values that deserve our full support.

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Mel Stride

MP for Central Devon