Wells MP James Heappey hosted a roundtable in the city with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), to allow farmers to find out more about support available, and future policy plans in relation to the farming industry.
More than 20 farmers attended the event, with presentations from the RPA, the Forestry Commission, Natural England and further representatives from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Many different topics were covered, including the upgrade to farming schemes, which are happening this season. These include - but are not limited to - the Sustainable Farmer's Incentive, Farm Recovery Fund for flood-related issues, as well as Countryside Stewardship and Landscape Recovery funds.
Mr Heappey said: "I am very grateful to the RPA for organising this event, but also being so open with the concerns of farmers in the Wells constituency. Not only were there reassurances that there is support available, but that these will remain policy no matter the Government of the day.
"However, I am also clear that much of the concern raised was the impact of the inclement weather on the livelihoods of farmers. It is something which I have been working on locally, but also speaking about at Ministerial level.
"I will continue to do all I can to support farmers in the constituency and I do believe water course management must be a priority going forward.
"I do hope those who attended felt supported by the RPA and they very much engaged one-on-one with the event."
The rollout for the offers mentioned in the presentation by the RPA are up until 2027, giving those in the rural line of work certainty going forward.
