Supporting our farmers

Farming remains an important part of life here in East Hampshire, both in terms of the local economy but also the contribution to local communities. I maintain regular contact with the local NFU team and local farmers to discuss the issues that impact them and the sector more widely.  I met with the North Hampshire branch of the NFU in October 2024 

According to the local NFU team, more than 75,000 acres across East Hampshire is farmed, employing more than 1,000 people, making it a vital sector for the local economy. The predominant sectors are cattle, sheep and crops.  

 

Financial support for Farmers

Changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) announced in the Autumn Budget (October 30th 2024) mean that many farms with assets over a threshold will now pay inheritance tax at 20 percent from April 2026.  APR is an important relief that enables family farms to be passed down through generations.  Damian is campaigning for this tax change to be reversed - do join him in opposing the government's decision to cut inheritance tax relief for family farms by signing the petition at: www.stopthefarmtax.com


Sheep worrying

Attacks on livestock is a significant issue for farmers across the country, and, beyond the emotional impact, it can have substantial financial consequences for their businesses.

And with the rise in dog ownership during the pandemic, there is a need for people to be more aware of how and when to control their dogs when accessing farmland. The Countryside Code provides important guidance for the general public.

 

Rural Crime

Break ins and vehicle loss remains an on-going issue within rural communities like East Hampshire, and Damian takes part in Hampshire Constabulary's Rural Crime Tactical Board to represent the interests of local residents, alongside other key local stakeholders.

Although crimes should always be reported to the police via the 101 service, the Hampshire Alert initiative is another way for local people to exchange information with the police, to help detect and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

News

It's not to late to stop the family farm tax

Last week I met a group of farmers in Westminster Hall.  They had all travelled up from East Hampshire to stand alongside fellow farmers from across the country to protest against the government’s ‘Family Farm Tax’. In his Church House address, National Farmers’ Union (NFU) President Tom B

Time to Stop the Farm Tax

The following statement was issued on 7 November 2024 Local MP campaigns to ‘stop the farm tax’  Changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) announced in last week’s Budget mean that many farms with assets over a threshold will now pay inheritance tax at 20 percent from April 2026.

Tackling the worry for sheep farmers

There’s an important piece of legislation making its way through Parliament at the moment that could significantly help our livestock farmers.     The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, also known as the Livestock Worrying Bll, aims to strengthen existing legislation,

Local tree planting scheme underway

Damian was delighted today to join Kevin and the team from Penfold's Woodand Management to see the large scale tree planting scheme (17,000 trees in all) they are overseeing near Priors Dean, supported by Defra's England Woodland Creation scheme. 

Food Strategy to boost domestic production

This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald and Petersfield Post: "The Food Strategy published last week has particular significance for us locally, not only as buyers and consumers, but also as producers and growers, with farming an important local sector here in East Ha

Meeting with local NFU members

Damian met with local National Farmers Union members last week, and said: "These are testing times for farming especially with the volatility in markets and supply.  Thank you to East Hants NFU for the opportunity to meet at Neatham and discuss issues and opportunities for this sector that is

Supporting nature and landscape recovery

This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald and Petersfield Post: "When we started preparing for the COP 26 East Hampshire event last year, we knew that agriculture and how we use land was going to be a key theme for us locally.  Farming is an important part of life

Pet Theft Taskforce recommendations

This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald editions and Petersfield Post:"Pet theft has been the subject of press and social media coverage during recent months but it does thankfully remain relatively rare.Estimates suggest that around 2,000 incidents of dog theft were r

Sheep and livestock worrying remains an issue

The article below was written by Damian and published in this week's editions of the Herald and Petersfield Post: "Our love of pets, and of dogs in particular, is very much part of the British culture and way of life, and ownership of pets has certainly increased as people have spent more time at h

The growing opportunity of the wine sector

This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald editions and Petersfield Post: "It was a pleasure to pay another visit to East Hampshire’s Hattingley Valley vineyard last week; one of the UK’s leading wineries, producing award-winning sparkling wines enjoyed in establishments