Sir Julian Smith Pledges Support to Farmers at Craven Cattle Mart

SKIPTON MP Sir Julian Smith has shown his commitment to the local farming community, visiting the Craven Cattle Mart in Gargrave to discuss concerns and challenges facing the sector. His visit came as the mart held its fortnightly sale of 345 feeding and breeding cattle. Sir Julian met with the mart's general manager, Jeremy Eaton, and local farmers to discuss pressing issues such as market pressures, changes to grant schemes, and inheritance tax, as well as the impact of Labour's proposed family farm tax. He also expressed his support for the vital work of charities like Field Nurse, which provides free health checks and mental health support to rural communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Sir Julian Smith pledged his support to farmers during his visit to the Craven Cattle Mart, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to rural economies.
• The MP highlighted Labour's family farm tax as a threat to the future of rural communities, committing to press the Government to protect family farms.
• He discussed current challenges facing the sector, including market pressures, changes to grant schemes, and inheritance tax, as well as access to capital for investment.
• Sir Julian also spoke to representatives of Field Nurse, a UK charity providing health checks and mental health support to rural communities, particularly farmers.
• The visit coincided with the mart's fortnightly sale of 345 feeding and breeding cattle.
• Local farmers and members of staff voiced their concerns and discussed pressing issues with Sir Julian during the visit.
• The MP's visit underscored the importance of events like the cattle sale for the livelihoods of local producers.

Statistics:

• The Craven Cattle Mart held its fortnightly sale of 345 feeding and breeding cattle during Sir Julian's visit.
• The family farm tax proposed by Labour poses a significant threat to the future of rural communities.

Sources:

• attribution to Sir Julian Smith
• Gargrave Road mart
• Jeremy Eaton, General Manager, Craven Cattle Mart
• Field Nurse, a UK charity providing free health checks and mental health support to rural communities