Saffron Walden MP Kemi Badenoch recently hosted a roundtable with farmers across Uttlesford and Chelmsford.

The event was held at Ugley Village Hall and included the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), an extension of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

Attendees, who represented farm owners in the area, discussed the RPA’s Sustainable Farming Incentive programme, an initiative which promotes eco-friendly land management.

The meeting provided farmers with a platform to address issues they have encountered with payment schemes.

They were also able to offer suggestions on how to improve support schemes.

Some of the attendees raised concerns regarding grain prices, striking the balance between food production and environmental conservation, and worries over inflation and high operational costs, especially regarding agricultural machinery.

Mrs Badenoch said: "Local farmers and landowners play an integral part in our local economy.

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"This roundtable discussion was an opportunity for them to feedback on Government funding and incentive schemes, and how we can continue to support them.

"Thank you again to all those who attended, including the representatives from the Rural Payments Agency, and local NFU team.

"There were many important points raised that I’ll be taking to my ministerial colleagues in DEFRA."