Cuts to support for sustainable farming could threaten food production and harm the environment, a Somerset MP has warned.
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has called on the government to rule out reducing the "nature-friendly farming budget," which supports environmentally sustainable agriculture, ahead of the upcoming Spending Review.
Mr Dance said: "Farming is at the heart of South Somerset’s way of life.
"Our farmers work tirelessly—often for very little reward—to care for our countryside and feed our communities.
"Cutting the nature-friendly farming budget would be an unforgivable betrayal of those efforts.
"It would not only threaten the future of domestic food production, but also undermine efforts to protect and restore our natural environment."
He said farmers are already under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, underinvestment, and trade agreements.
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to protect the funding as part of the Spending Review.
Mr Dance said: "The government’s failure to understand rural communities is clear—and if ministers press ahead with these cuts, the impact on farming, food security, and rural livelihoods could be devastating.
"I am calling on the chancellor to rule out any cuts to this essential funding.
"Our rural communities must not be forgotten, and I will continue to fight for farmers in Yeovil and across the country."
The party argues that maintaining investment in sustainable farming and nature restoration is essential to supporting rural areas and ensuring long-term food security.
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