Support our farmers, buy British - Farron

Following the recent extreme weather conditions that have devastated farms and farmers across the county, Cumbria MP Tim Farron is backing calls by the National Farmers Union and is encouraging local people to buy British.

Unseasonable weather conditions, which have seen extremely cold temperatures and high levels of snow fall, have caused huge destruction to farms and livestock across the north and North West of England. Snow drifts as deep as 25ft have in some cases buried whole flocks of sheep, brought down buildings and blocked roads.

The full impact of these unexpected weather conditions, which will have had a huge effect on the lambing season, will not be known until a significant thaw takes place, but farmers are already predicting an incredibly tough few months following what has already been a difficult winter period in 2012.

The NFU and Tim are urging members of the public to do their bit to help support the farming industry and get behind our struggling local farmers by buying British produced when they make their next grocery shopping trip.

Last week Tim wrote to the Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, to press the Government to provide additional financial support to farmers during this difficult period to help cope with stock losses and increasing costs.

Commenting Tim said: "The last few weeks for our farmers have been horrendous. The weather conditions have been unexpected and therefore there was little opportunity to protect livestock against the snow and the wind which has been devastating to sheep numbers.

"I've already pressed the Government to do all it can to help those farmers affected to cope with this difficult period, but now I want local people to do their bit as well by buying British produce and where they can, buying local produce to ensure our farmers get all the support they can."