Cheshire farmers met the new MP for Chester South and Eddisbury to discuss pressing issues for the agricultural sector.

The NFU members highlighted sector issues and the need to see farming families supported when they held talks with MP Aphra Brandreth at Poplar Hall Farm, Tattenhall.

Farmers also discussed bovine TB and the devastating impact of the disease on beef and dairy herds in the county and the mental stress it puts on farming families.

Livestock worrying, rural crime, access to permanent and seasonal labour and the movement to new Government support schemes also featured heavily – as farmers look to produce food but also continue to manage the farmed environment to benefit habitat and species.

Dairy farmer Alistair Dobson, Cheshire NFU chair, said: “I was pleased we were able to meet on farm with Aphra and we are keen to work with her to help drive county farming forward.

“I’d like to thank her for her time, those members that came along to have their say and the Matthews family for hosting us.

“The General Election seems like an age ago now but the campaign from all parties saw widespread acknowledgement that food security is national security.

“Cheshire farmers now need practical policies and investment which allow us to deliver on our shared mission to produce more great British food and provide jobs and stimulate growth throughout the UK through the food and drink sector.”

In her maiden speech in the House of Commons, the MP also showed her commitment to Cheshire agriculture and horticulture when she highlighted the importance of farming to the national economy and said the contribution of the countryside was incalculable.

In her first intervention as an MP she spoke in an adjournment debate on food security, calling on the Government to take the matter seriously and emphasising that food security is national security.

Following the NFU meeting, she said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Alistair, county adviser Helen Wainwright and many other farmers from across Chester South and Eddisbury.

“Our farmers are vital to our rural economy, food security, the environment, and the wider community.

“As their Member of Parliament, they know that I will champion their cause, speak up on their behalf and work alongside them to hold the Government to account.

“I would like to thank the Matthews family for kindly hosting yesterday’s meeting and to all who took the time to come along to share their thoughts with me.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the NFU and Cheshire farmers over the course of this Parliament.”

Helen Wainwright, NFU county adviser, said the food farmers produced in in the county had a reputation for excellence and it was vital core production standards were in place to ensure county farms were not undercut by imported products produced to lower environmental and welfare standards.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, farming’s ability to provide affordable, climate friendly and high welfare food will be critical for families across Cheshire and beyond,” she said.

She added that with Back British Farming Day ahead (11 September) it was vital for the NFU and its members to continue to make the case to politicians for the industry.

The NFU will host a Parliamentary reception on the day, providing a farming focus in Parliament and invites MPs and Peers to show their support for the farming sector.