Payment delays hampering Fenland farmers

PAYMENT delays could be hampering Fenland farmers during the economic recovery.

Agricultural businesses in Wisbech and March get hand outs from the Government when they sign up to the Common Agricultural Policy.

But North East Cambs MP Steve Barclay says farmers are getting the money too late, meaning they struggle with cashflow during a fragile financial recovery.

The recently-elected MP also said a revised farming budget planned for 2013 would have “serious consequences” for Fenland agriculture.

After meeting National Farming Union president Peter Kendall to discuss the problem, Mr Barclay said: “We need to ensure the interests of our farmers and our environment are to the fore.”

Calling for reforms to the Rural Payments Agency, Mr Barclay added: “The scale of action needed to reduce the budget deficit will inevitably impact across every area of Government, including agriculture.

“Farmers and growers are rightly proud of their vibrant industry. We hope this new Government will ensure productive agriculture is at the heart of its agenda.”