Local MP Norman Baker has today backed the Lib Dems' plans to reform the farm payments system and use the savings to support farm apprenticeships in areas such as the Lewes constituency.
It currently costs an average of £1,743 to process farm payments, which can be as low as 1p. The Lib Dems would look to improve the efficiency of the payments system by setting a new level for minimum payments of £300, which could save up to £20 million annually. This money would then be invested in creating farm apprenticeships and ensuring the rural economy has a vibrant future in areas like Sussex.
The Lib Dems have also pledged to limit the powers of large supermarkets by creating a strong food market regulator, which will prevent farmers being hit by prices being fixed at an artificially low level. Lewes MP Norman Baker has also backed the party's plans to oppose the government's proposal to force farmers to help pay for an animal health body.
Norman Baker commented:
"These proposals will help to provide a much-deserved boost for farmers in the Lewes area. Currently, the farm payments system is blighted by too much red tape. These reforms will help to lower costs, saving money which can be invested in providing support for our farmers where they need it, and safeguarding the future of farming in the Lewes constituency by providing apprenticeships.
"I have for a long time called for action to limit the power of supermarkets. We need a stronger food market regulator, which will ensure that large supermarkets are not able to fix prices at ludicrously low levels.
"And while everyone understands the importance of preventing animal disease outbreaks, it is crucial that the government is prevented from passing its hugely unfair 'cost-sharing' proposal, which will simply pass the buck onto hard-working farmers in my constituency."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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