Adam Dance MP brings farmers and rural Communities together for inaugural Farming Forum
Around 40 farmers and rural leaders from across South Somerset gathered for a Farming Forum, hosted by Adam Dance MP, at the Millennium Hall in Seavington St Mary on Saturday (25th January). This inaugural event aimed to address the urgent challenges facing agriculture and rural life while exploring opportunities for future growth and sustainability.
The forum brought together a range of experts, including Adam Clifton from the NFU, George Caruth from FWAG, Esther Woolford from Clarke Willmott, and Tom Stone from Albert Goodman. Representatives from key organisations such as the Somerset Rivers Authority, CPRE, Cultivate, and Farmers to Action also attended, alongside dozens of local farmers.
Adam Dance MP introduced the event and highlighted the critical importance of farming to the local economy and way of life, describing agriculture as "the backbone of our countryside." The event served as a platform for farmers to voice their concerns directly to their MP and industry leaders, sparking conversations about the future of rural communities.
Farmers at the forum raised concerns over the financial strain caused by unfair pricing practices from supermarkets, with many expressing frustration that their hard work is not adequately rewarded. Adam Dance pledged to take their concerns directly to Westminster, stating, “Farmers are not being paid a fair price for their food, meat, and drink. This must change. It’s time for supermarkets and policymakers to step up and support the industry that feeds the nation.”
The discussion also turned to inheritance tax, with participants warning that current policies are making it increasingly difficult to keep farms in the family. Some attendees described the significant mental health pressures caused by these challenges, calling for urgent action to prevent further harm to the farming community.
Renewable energy emerged as another pressing issue, with local sheep farmer Austin Blair sharing his vision to make his farm self-sufficient using solar and wind power. He noted, however, that insufficient funding prevents many farmers from adopting sustainable practices. Adam Dance committed to lobbying for increased financial support for renewable energy, saying, “If the Government is serious about net zero, it must provide funding for farmers to implement green energy solutions.”
The forum concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and action. Adam Dance announced plans for regular roundtable meetings and a smaller focus group to tackle specific issues and drive policy changes. He also highlighted the upcoming agriculture debate in Parliament on February 10 as an opportunity to amplify the voices of local farmers.
“This forum marks the beginning of a vital conversation,” Adam Dance said. “It’s clear that farmers are facing immense challenges, from unfair pricing and tax policies to barriers to green energy. I’m committed to championing these issues in Westminster and working with local stakeholders to deliver meaningful change for our rural communities.”