“British farmers deserve better”, says Rachel Gilmour MP on Back British Farming Day

Mrs. Gilmour is demanding a full package of support including scrapping the unfair Family Farm Tax, restoring Defra funding for Young Farmers’ Clubs, and introducing mandatory country-of-origin labelling on all beef products, including in large shops and large restaurants.

It comes on ‘Back British Farming Day’, after the Government signed off on 13,000 tonnes of tariff-free US beef imports with President Trump, threatening to undercut British producers with cheaper and lower-standard beef imports. At the same time, the Government has axed long-standing Defra funding for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), which has supported over 23,000 young people for more than 30 years. 

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to continue fighting for a £1 billion boost to the farming budget and fairer treatment for family farms across the UK.

As well as these issues affecting farmers, Mrs. Gilmour has also been campaigning for improved funding and resources for police units across the constituency, to assist those who have been hit by rural crime, particularly organised rural thefts. According to the NFU, rural thefts from 2023-2024 increased by a shocking 167.8% in Somerset, valued at over £2.1 million. Tiverton and Minehead’s MP recently met with Clare Moody, Avon & Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, where she welcomed the news that Avon and Somerset Police had listened to her calls and committed to setting up a dedicated rural crime team.

MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, said:

“British farmers put food on our tables and keep our rural economy alive, but this Government keeps selling them short. From unfair taxes on family farms to slashing Defra support for young farmers, ministers are making it harder for the next generation to survive in agriculture. I am demanding proper backing, fairer funding and clear labelling so shoppers can support British produce. It’s time to stop neglecting our farmers and start standing up for them. British farmers deserve better.

I will also continue to press for more resources for dedicated rural crime teams in Devon and Somerset to ensure our farmers are better protected from criminals operating in rural areas.”