Dartmoor farmers meet with minister to discuss future of agriculture

Torridge and Tavistock MP, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, led a meeting in Tavistock on Thursday, 3 April, to discuss the future of farming on Dartmoor, with Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner MP in attendance. 

The event brought together Dartmoor farmers, national and local organisations, and key representatives from DEFRA, Natural England, the NFU, and other groups with an interest in the region.

The focus of this year's Forum was the implementation of the Independent Review for Dartmoor, led by David Fursdon. 

The meeting began with a roundtable discussion between statutory authorities and relevant organisations, followed by a public forum. 

The panel, which included the Farming Minister, Deputy President of the NFU David Exwood, Regional Director of Natural England Dave Slater, David Fursdon, and Chairman of the new Land Use Management Group Phil Stocker, answered questions from the 100 farmers and other attendees about the Review's implementation.

Minister Zeichner addressed the ongoing concerns from farmers regarding the government's recent decisions, including the suspension of applications for capital grants and the Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI), as well as the introduction of death taxes on family farms.

While defending the government's actions, he emphasised the need for a fairer distribution of funding for Dartmoor farmers as the SFI is replaced. 

He also expressed strong support for the independent Land Use Management Group, a key recommendation from the Fursdon Review, which aims to improve communication and consultation between statutory bodies and farmers.

Following the meeting, Sir Geoffrey Cox expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating: “I was delighted to have convened the third Dartmoor Forum in Tavistock on Thursday, 3 April, where farming families were able to put their concerns directly to the Minister, following the Government’s recent sudden decision to suspend the SFI and introduce death taxes on family farms. Despite the backdrop of these harmful decisions, its main purpose was to maintain progress in implementing the Fursdon Review. I am thankful to the Minister, whose words demonstrated a very welcome commitment to the process we commenced three years ago. This fresh start has already engendered a new and better approach to the governance of Dartmoor and between all those with a love of and interest in its unique culture, communities, farming traditions, and landscapes.”