SIR Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, met with the leadership team at Mole Avon in Crediton to discuss the growing pressures facing rural businesses and the agricultural supply chain.

Mole Avon, a long-established supplier to farming communities across the South West, highlighted the cumulative impact of rising employment costs, increases to National Insurance contributions, and sustained increases in the National Living Wage.

The meeting also explored the wider effect of these pressures on recruitment, particularly for younger workers, as well as the importance of maintaining resilient rural supply chains that underpin farming and food production.

Discussion extended to the broader outlook for the agricultural sector and the need for a stable policy environment to support long-term investment.

Sir Mel said: “It was extremely valuable to meet with Mole Avon and hear directly about the pressures facing rural businesses. These are not abstract challenges — they affect jobs, investment and the long-term strength of our farming communities.”

John Lee OBE DL said: “We were pleased to welcome Sir Mel and discuss the realities facing our business and the wider sector. It’s important that policymakers understand the impact these changes are having on rural employers.”

During my recent visit with farmers around Dartmoor, I was reminded again how vital it is that we continue to stand by our farming community, despite the partial progress we made in softening the Government’s approach to taxing family farms.

Many are still under pressure from rising energy costs, volatile wholesale prices, repeated flooding, and the general squeeze on rural business overheads.

The new employment measures that came into force on April 6 will add another layer of challenge for those who rely on seasonal or local staff. Statutory Sick Pay now starts from day one; paternity leave is also a day-one right; and changes to redundancy payments and statutory pay rates, including higher minimum and living wages, all mean higher costs and more complexity.

For many farm businesses already operating on fine margins, these rules risk deterring new recruitment and making it harder to bring young people into agriculture.

I am also conscious of local concerns around the Duchy of Cornwall’s decision to consolidate parts of its estate near Bradninch.

It’s another reminder that we must not treat farms and farmland simply as commercial property these are working assets that underpin rural life and local employment. I am firmly engaged in these issues.

Looking ahead, there’s plenty for our county to be proud of.

The Devon County Show from May 21 to 23 will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our producers, our livestock, and the enduring spirit that defines Devon agriculture.

I will continue to champion our farmers in Parliament and press for policies that recognise their essential role in our food security and countryside economy.

Sir Mel Stride

MP for Central Devon