In the last four weeks, The Melplash Agricultural Society has hosted two high profile MP visits. Ed Davy (The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party), who visited the Society’s Discover Farming Classroom to find out about the Society’s education programme and the issues it addresses, and Steve Barclay (the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) who visited Highlands End in Eype to meet Society members. Members were able to outline the real difficulties faced by farm businesses and the agricultural workforce in the current economic climate of rising costs, prices dictated by those who hold control over the selling and marketing of our produce, increased demand for higher environmental and welfare standards by the public and the cost of living crisis meaning that some consumers are unable to meet the cost for excellence, being forced instead to purchase food produced where much lower standards exist.
Society Chairman, Philip Hardwill said “As a Society we are passionate about improving the standards of agriculture in West Dorset. Educating the younger generation about the importance of agriculture to the local economy and environment. Enthusing and inspiring young people to study and to take up careers in, agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts. Our annual Show is a showcase for all that is great about Agriculture in West Dorset. Our programme of competitions encourages excellence whilst our Discover Farming educational programme and our Scholarship Scheme provide amazing support for students. This has all resulted in our Society being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, reflecting the dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of all of our volunteer members.
The visits by these two high profile politicians reflect the value that those involved in the future of British politics attach to the views of our organisation. I am sure that these recent visits have resulted in two politicians having a much better grasp on the desire, voiced by our local farmers, to achieve high standards of animal welfare and to contribute to the improvement of our local environment, whilst being fairly rewarded for the huge contribution which they make”.
