Farron urges government to support livestock farmers as North West suffers greatest hit

Following figures that show a worrying decline in farming income, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has expressed concern that more needs to be done to support livestock farmers.

The latest figures for 2010 from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show a decrease in total Income from Farming in most regions, with the North West being worst hit at -16 per cent. South West and North East regions also fared poorly at -15 per cent and -11 per cent due to the poor performance of livestock, particularly sheep. Even regions with the largest cropping areas saw the lowest growth rates since 2008.

Commenting, Tim said "These figures clearly highlight the difficult times our farmers are operating in, especially here in the North West. I'm glad that the Government is acting to support our rural economies through the Rural Economy Grant scheme, but not until we have fairness in the market place - with supermarket regulation - and proper investment in a UK-wide food production strategy, will we really turn the corner.

"Farming matters to us locally, but it matters across the whole country as we attempt to meet the growing demand for food across the world. Without protecting and improving our food production in the U.K now, we stand no chance of being able to meet the challenges of the future."