AN MP at the forefront of farming legislation visited Somerset to find out more about how changes to the system are affecting county farms.

MP Anna Sabine (Lib Dem, Frome & East Somerset) welcomed fellow Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael – chair of the cross-party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee – last weekend to “show him first-hand the realities facing Somerset farms”.

The committee scrutinises the work of the Defra in Parliament and helps represent the interests of rural communities – such as the West Country.

The parliamentary pair visited Landmark Farm, in Wanstrow, owned by the Mountys, which produces beef, milk and arable, as well as utilising a wind turbine on their land for green energy.

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Anna and Alistair toured the farm, including the milking parlour and the sheds with some new-born calves, discussing the innovations the farm has made in carbon capture and their aims to exist in an environmentally-friendly way.

Anna previously met with farmer Craig Mounty as part of discussions with the NFU and learned more about food production and some of the hardships facing farmers under the new government regulations.

“I was delighted to be able to show Alistair what we have in Somerset in terms of progressive farming and for Craig and his father to be able to discuss with us both what they see as the major issues inhibiting them,” the MP said following the visit.

“The west country is a fertile and abundant area that could be utilised more to help give us food security in the UK, and if we allow farmers to work with us, we can find solutions that are both economic and environmental going forward.

“Somerset and the farmers here are a crucial asset for the local, and national economy and I hope that we can make improvements to help them facilitate the growth necessary.”