CENTRAL DEVON MP Mel Stride sat down with farmers from across his huge rural constituency last Friday (March 25) to discuss issues facing the industry.

Organised by the National Farmers Union (NFU), the meeting included meat, dairy and arable farmers from Northlew, Bondleigh, Chagford and Whitestone and was held at Higher Fingle Farm between Drewsteignton and Cheriton Bishop.

Devon NFU county advisor Andrew Butler said after the meeting: ‘It was very useful to talk through some of the concerns we have as an industry.

These include rising energy bills, Defra’s environment land management scheme, huge price rises of products farmers rely on such as fertiliser, and access to seasonal labour.

Mr Stride said afterwards: ‘There are several key issues which I will be taking up with ministers as a result of this really useful meeting.’