MP Bob Seely has met with National Farmers’ Union members on the Island to discuss the forthcoming agriculture Bill and Brexit.
The breakfast meeting at The Garlic Farm in Newchurch included Matt Legge, the Isle of Wight NFU chair, James Osman – NFU’s county advisor and Garlic Farm owner Colin Boswell.
Afterwards, Mr Seely said he had agreed to write to the Farming Minister, MP George Eustice, in support of an Isle of Wight farming agenda.
James Osman, NFU county advisor said: “We take him [Mr Seely] on a farm twice a year to help him understand some of the important issues affecting Isle of Wight farmers.
“We talked about things like Brexit, I know it’s a bit dull, but it’s very important to Island farmers.”
Mr Osman added that other things discussed with Mr Seely included planning, agricultural issues and a discussion about a possible abattoir for the Island.
“Island food, how we sell ourselves better and get more Island people eating Island food was also discussed,” explained Mr Osman.
Mr Seely said: “I was delighted to meet with members of the farming community to talk about the measures the government needs to implement to ensure that the farming community flourishes.
“It is important that the Isle of Wight continues to thrive post-Brexit, I am confident it will and it was good to hear wide-ranging views on this and many subjects.
“As managers of the landscape, food producers and employers, farming is critical to our future.”