THE MP for Copeland has formed a farming group aimed at supporting local producers through the agricultural transition period.

Following the Government’s landmark Agriculture Bill receiving Royal Assent, Trudy Harrison MP met with local farmers and the NFU at Langley Park Farm in Waberthwaite to hear directly from them about their concerns and any challenges they face ahead of transitioning to the new system outside of the EU.

Working directly with local farmers and land managers across Copeland, Mrs Harrison’s support network will meet virtually monthly to assist in delivering communications on the agriculture sector and transition period.

Mrs Harrison said: “Government has published a roadmap, outlining a new system that is tailored in the interests of farmers, helping them to deliver for the environment, animal welfare and climate change whilst also running more profitable, productive and sustainable businesses.

“However, in speaking to local farmers at Langley Farm it is clear that many questions will need to be answered to help farmers prepare for the transition and it is vital that they have the time and support to adapt.

"Changes of this significance can be intimidating, and it is natural that many farmers across Copeland are worried about the phasing out of direct payments.

NFU Cumbria County Chairman Ian Bowness said: “Farming is changing, and I look forward to working with Trudy to co-create the schemes that will help farmers in Cumbria to improve productivity and animal welfare, encourage innovation and realise our ambition to produce increasingly climate-friendly food.