The Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Sir Mark Spencer MP, joined East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg Knight and Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart and local farmers in Driffield on 9 May, to discuss recent disastrous flooding of farmland among other topics.
Also present were members of the Local Drainage Boards and officers from the area branch of the National Farmers’ Union.
Top of the agenda for the meeting, chaired by NFU Group Secretary, Michael Hadfield, was the hot topic of flooding and Sir Greg and Graham explained to the Minister the severe and damaging effects heavy rainfall last winter had caused locally, seeing hundreds of acres of flooded farmland. Concerns were amplified by other attendees, who expressed the view that it was vital to improve water flows and defences of the River Hull and its tributaries.
Farmer and IDB member Mike Artley revealed he was undertaking the most comprehensive scientific survey to date to try and reveal where the real problems lay – using Lidar laser equipment to reveal obstructions and pinch-points in the river. The Minister asked for a copy of the report when it became available later in the summer, and pledged to consider its conclusions.
Other issues discussed were food security and the fact that farming is the bedrock of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, which contributes over £120 billion to the UK economy and supports more than 4 million jobs.
Sir Greg and Graham agreed to pass on any additional concerns raised by farmers to the Minister who confirmed he was prepared to listen and see what more could be done to safeguard and encourage productive farmland.
After the meeting, Graham said: “Flooded farmland has been an issue for a long time here, and we need a properly funded system, doing as it is supposed to do, to reduce it from happening in the future.
“That’s why I was delighted to meet the Minister to explain the importance of this in order to protect both the livelihoods of the rural community and our nation’s food production. I will continue to work with the Minister, Bridlington & The Wolds Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Charlie Dewhirst, and our excellent local farmers to resolve this once and for all.”
Sir Greg Knight commented: “Over half of the best most fertile farmland in Britain is in floodplains. In addition to producing food, many farmers locally and across the country currently play a vital role in protecting our towns and cities from flooding. If we are unable to prevent all farmland from flooding, then I believe there is a strong case for ensuring that farmers are properly paid for having stored that water, which has protected houses and businesses elsewhere from flooding.”
