Farron warns Agriculture Bill falls a long way short

Speaking ahead of the second reading of the Agriculture Bill today, Liberal Democrat Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson Tim Farron has warned the Bill falls a long way short.

Mr Farron said:

“Reforming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding is long overdue, and something for which the Liberal Democrats have consistently called for. However, this Agriculture Bill falls a long way short of essential reform. Liberal Democrats demand better.

“Tory Ministers need to realise that to successfully encourage a change in the way farmers farm there must be secure funding to make it happen. That is why Liberal Democrats advocate a 25 year funding plan to fit alongside the 25 year environment plan.

“Meanwhile, this Conservative Government has also failed to guarantee that food imports into a post-Brexit UK would meet the high standards adhered to by our own farmers. If it does not, our farmers will be at a competitive disadvantage. That isn’t acceptable."