Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus Brendan MacNeil recently met some of the UK’s most innovative farmers and food producers who brought the farm to Parliament.

The farmers, 15 in all were from a diverse assortment of Farms, Food Community Projects and Food producers from around the UK.  All sectors of the food industry were represented from dairy to horticulture, traditional mixed farms and agroforestry and Community growing initiatives.

The exhibition provided the opportunity for all to demonstrate the wide variety of techniques they use to ensure their farms are economically viable, productive and efficient, while also producing a range of benefits to society and the environment.

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“‘Farmers in Parliament’, was held on behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Agroecology for Sustainable Food and Farming. The exhibition was opened by successful businesswoman and smallholder, Deborah Meaden (of Dragon’s Den).

“I was delighted to be able to attend this event and hear about how we can make our system of food and farming more sustainable.

“It was also good to be able to meet with representatives from the Scottish Crofting Federation who are making their voice heard and putting crofting on the map in this type of arena.”

ENDS

Notes: Photo of Angus MacNeil MP with Patrick Krause, Scottish Crofting Federation

1. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Agroecology is a cross-party group of MPs.  The Group will be working to encourage the adoption of agroecological principles and policies within all relevant departments of government. This is the group inaugural meeting of the new Parliament.

2. Stakeholders include Sustainable Food Trust, Soil Association, Real Farming Trust’ World Animal Protection, CPRE, Free Range Diary, RSPB, CIWF, Pasture Feed Livestock Association (PFLA), Friends of the Earth & Land Workers Alliance.