Jonathan Djanogly Member of Parliament for the Huntingdon Constituency and Malcolm Lyons, a local grain merchant and chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, this week went to visit the farm of Trevor Smith in order to discuss this years harvest and rural diversification schemes.
Mr Djanogly has also met recently with Huntingdonshire representatives of the National Farmers Union to discuss important agricultural issues.
Mr Djanogly said;
'Farmers face a number of challenges, not least in relation to dealing with the environment. I am very aware that our local farmers are important not only for food production but also vital to maintaining the natural habitat that so many of us enjoy here in Huntingdonshire.
'When I met with the NFU, one particular area of concern was the European Union's decision to abolish the use of certain pesticides before replacements have been found. I understand from farmers that the impact for production could be significant. This is more of an issue in this country than in other parts of Europe due to the warmer winters here, which allow a greater number of pests to survive. Given the importance of agriculture locally, this is a situation that I am continuing to monitor alongside my Conservative colleagues.'
Photo: Jonathan Djanogly MP with farmer, Trevor Smith (left) and Malcolm Lyons, a local grain merchant and chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses