Edward has joined Shadow DEFRA Minister, Dr Neil Hudson MP, on a visit to Melton Mowbray Market on a Wednesday sales day to watch the auctions, talk with farmers about the issues affecting them and our farming communities, and to highlight the current pressures on the sector.
Chairman of Melton Mowbray Market, Simon Allam, took the Shadow Minister around, with Dr Hudson taking the opportunity to talk with, and most importantly, listen to, farmers setting out their priorities, as well as hearing about the operation of Melton Mowbray Market as one of the busiest livestock markets in the region, and the last livestock market still based in the centre of a town.
Edward said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the Shadow DEFRA Minister to Melton Mowbray, and to join him on his visit to what I firmly believe is the best livestock market in the country, that plays such a central role in our local community and economy here in Melton. It was important that he was able to hear directly from our local farmers about what is impacting them at the moment, and their priorities for the future of farming, and to see first-hand the operation of the market.
I have always been clear in my strong backing for our local farmers, and for British Farming, so it was a great opportunity to further reemphasise that public commitment, and I'm very grateful to Simon for hosting the visit."
