OUR rural environment is our area’s greatest natural asset, and we all owe our farmers a great debt for the careful stewardship of the landscape we are so proud and grateful to live within.

A highlight of my work this week has been the farm visits I have had here in the constituency.

At a time when the current Government seems to have farming in its sights, I am especially conscious of how important it is that the voices of farmers in Central Devon are heard in Westminster and reflected in my party’s approach to the countryside.

The last six months have not been easy for farmers or the businesses they support.

Rachel Reeves’ inheritance tax changes, her decision to cancel, and then partially U-turn, on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and then increase National Insurance have squeezed margins tighter than ever before and created uncertainty for future investment in equipment, employment and land. And rural crime is on the rise, and rumours of chlorinated chicken, hormone enhanced beef and other relaxations of food standards have returned as the Prime Minister desperately tries to improve our trading relationship with President Trump’s now protectionist America.

Despite all these challenges, I have been so impressed with the ingenuity, resilience and entrepreneurship I have seen from local farmers this week.

Many local to Longdown, or who travel between Moretonhampstead and Exeter will be familiar with the excellent Mount Boon Dairy Company’s fresh milk vending machine.

Ross and Caitlyn have made such a brilliant contribution to the local community with their shop, and I would thoroughly recommend anyone travelling past to drop in.

In Crockernwell, it was a great to see how Kim and Colin have transformed Drakes Farm and farm shop, with their Farm School.

At Oinkers, children can learn about farm animals and our natural environment while also having a great deal of fun!

It is a testament to their hard work that so many families were at the farm when I visited and that local schools, like the Promise School in Oakhampton, have taken advantage of the excellent tailored classes they can offer.

From chickens and lambs to chickens and piglets, they really do have everything a farm school should need.

Central Devon is fortunate to have several brilliant farm shops we should all support.

Our farmer’s produce is of envious quality, and I know many tourists will flock to our area to take advantage of the benefits we all have, right on our doorstep.

If you’re out and about this week, do try and support our local farmers – Labour might be doing a poor job of it in Westminster, but we can still do our bit here in Devon.