James Wild MP visited agricultural business North Farm Livestock to reaffirm his support for Norfolk farming and talk about issues facing the industry.
North Farm Livestock, a family-owned business is renowned for producing high quality free-range pork annd operates across several sites in North West Norfolk, including Anmer, Brancaster, Barmer, and Great Bircham. With over 60 staff, the farm plays an important role in the local economy and contributes to the UK’s food and drink sector, the country’s largest manufacturing industry.
During his visit, James met Todd Baker, the Business Manager at North Farm Livestock to learn more about their commitment to highest welfare standards and issues facing the sector including the importance of bio-security measures given risks of African Swine Fever. During the visit at Anmer they also explored the farm's commitment to sustainability through its "Farming for Nature" initiative, which boosts biodiversity by creating healthier habitats for wildlife.
The visit shortly after the Budget was also an opportunity to talk about the impact of national insurance rises and changes to Agricultural Property Relief which James has spoken against in Parliament.
Speaking on the visit, James Wild MP said:
“Norfolk is home to high quality agricultural businesses such as North Farm and I welcome the opportunity to see their commitment to high quality produce. It’s crucial that we back Norfolk farming to safeguarding our food security, look after the environment, and support our rural communities.
“The changes the government plans to make to Agricultural Property Relief threatens the future of many family farms who produce our food and are custodians of the countryside. I’m supporting the NFU, CLA and others in opposing this family farm tax and I’ve called on Labour to honour the pledge they made before the election and drop this damaging measure.”
If you are interested in learning more about the “Farming for Nature Initiative” you can follow this link to its website: https://www.farmingfornature.ie/farming-for-nature-handbook/about-the-farming-for-nature-handbook/
