CENTRAL Devon MP Sir Mel Stride met local farmers at the National Farmers’ Union’s Westminster office recently to hear how government policy is affecting their businesses day-to-day.

The discussion covered Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications, bluetongue, bovine TB and planning reform. On one point the farmers were united: the biggest problem is uncertainty.

Farmers explained that they cannot plan investment or breeding effectively when funding rules, disease controls and planning decisions keep shifting. For family businesses working on long timescales, that makes every decision harder.

They described how uncertainty around SFI applications has left them unsure what support will be available, while disease controls for bluetongue and TB can affect when and where livestock can be moved and sold. Planning reform raised questions about how farms can adapt and diversify.

The meeting showed why rural businesses in Central Devon need clear rules they can rely on, and a fair hearing when policy is being shaped.

Sir Mel said: “I wanted to hear directly from Central Devon farmers about how government policy is landing on the ground. SFI applications, bluetongue, TB and planning reform dominated the conversation, and the message was the same each time.

“Farmers cannot plan when the rules keep shifting. Farming is vital to the economy and character of Central Devon, and I will keep pressing the Government for the stability our farmers need. Thank you to everyone who came along and spoke so openly.”

NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins said: “We are grateful to all our members and to the Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride for attending our event in our Westminster office, and for Sir Mel’s time in the meeting, hearing what farmers and growers need to support their food producing businesses.”