MEASURES to boost health and food security were announced by the Government this week but a Cumbrian MP called for reassurance that farmers will be supported through a turbulent period.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice presented the Government Food Strategy to the House of Commons on Monday.

It included measures to ensure security and sustainability and food supply despite the impact of Covid-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global markets.

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The strategy also includes efforts to make food production more sustainable, encouraging low carbon methods.

But Dr Neil Hudson MP called for more assurances that Cumbrian farmers will be supported through this period.

The Penrith and the Borders MP said: “I welcome today’s statement that the Government is bolstering food production and food security.

“Producing food sustainably and looking after the environment go hand in hand and our fantastic UK farmers are best placed to do this as they have been doing this for generations.

Dr Hudson said: “The pandemic and the War in Ukraine have brought food security into sharp relief and farmers are faced with the challenges of rising costs of fuel, animal feed and fertiliser. The supply of which is more uncertain with the announced closure of one of the UK’s fertiliser and CO2 plants.

“Can my Right Honourable Friend reassure the farmers in Cumbria and across the UK that the Government will be supporting them through this challenges in this shared endeavour to produce more, local food.”

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