Championing Our Rural Economy and Farming Communities

I recently met with Cllr Scott and Ewerby and Evedon Parish Council to discuss their concerns about the Beacon Fen North Solar Park proposals and to see the site.

Good to chat with NFU Online at #CPC23 about all things food and farming, including the importance of food security, boosting our food production and land use policy.

It was great to pop in to visit local constituent, Jonathan, who has established two National Plant Collections (Hollyhocks and Cosmos Bipinnatus) in our area.

Today is Back British Farming Day! I am proud to support our strong farming communities in the Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency, who do a fantastic job in providing the nation with high-quality food, all while caring for our beautiful Lincolnshire countryside.

In Wellingore today I was pleased to be able to host Sandy, Giles and Steve from the Rural Payments Agency, DEFRA and the Forestry Commission for a meeting with local farmers from across the constituency.

As Parliament has returned from recess this week, I have been back highlighting the impact current large scale solar farm proposals will have in my constituency, following on from my Solar Farms and Planning Westminster Hall Debate before the summer.

The Countryside Stewardship deadline has been extended until 15 September 2023!

The application window for Countryside Stewardship this year will make sure that farmers who want to apply for this scheme have more time to do so – building on the great success of this scheme to date.

Following a number of proposals for large scale solar farms in my constituency, I secured a Westminster Hall Debate on the topic in Parliament. This gave me the opportunity to voice many of the views my constituents have raised with me and receive a response from the Minister.

Having listened to many constituents' concerns about current solar farm projects proposed in the Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency, I have secured a Westminster Hall Debate next Wednesday (19th July) to raise the issue of planning and solar farms in Parliament.

It is welcome news that farmers and foresters in Sleaford and North Hykeham have received £527, 200 as part of the Government's Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.