WINCHESTER'S Liberal Democrat election candidate and vet recently met farmers to discuss the challenges they are facing. 

Danny Chambers met NFU regional representative Ben Gibbons and local farmers, hosted by Jon Proctor at his dairy farm in Kings Worthy. 

City councillor Neil Cutler, who is an NFU member and farms near Wickham, also attended.

Mr Chambers discussed the issues they face, including energy and fertilizer prices, and the lack of clarity around the change to farm subsidies since Brexit. 

He said: “I grew up on my parents' sheep and beef farm so I care deeply about those who work in our agricultural community. I found it really useful to chat to the NFU members. 

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“Farming is a tough life, you can work hard all year round and then find your income is affected by things beyond your control, like bad weather or a disease outbreak.

“I’m proud the UK has some of the highest farming and animal welfare standards in the world. These trade deals are bad for animal welfare, bad for British farmers who will be undercut, and bad for the environment.

“For many years I have been urging the Government not to break their election promise to maintain our current animal welfare, environmental and farming standards, but the deal they signed with Australia shows that this isn't a government priority. 

“The Lib Dem by-elections wins in rural North Shropshire, Somerset and Devon have show the Conservatives can no longer claim to be the party of farming. We desperately need MPs who understand agriculture and the countryside, and my background and experience would be useful.”