AN MP hosted a summit this month with the Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, in Dorset. 

Chris Loader, MP for West Dorset, hosted the event at Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester, on November 9. More than 40 NFU farmers and South Dorset MP, Richard Drax, attended. 

The Farming Minister took questions on issues affecting farmers in the area, and dicussed topics such as nutrient neautrality, sustainable farming incentives and the groceries code adjudicator. 

“It’s been very productive to have the Farming Minister join us at Kingston Maurward College," said Mr Loader.

"The summit has enabled farmers from right across Dorset to put their questions to the Minister, who has been most receptive to their concerns.

“In addition, I’ve made my concerns with farming in West Dorset known to the Minister, in particular the issues with a lack of agricultural apprenticeships and land-based education; issues with food supply chains and farmgate prices; and the challenges with nutrient neutrality affecting planning and development.

"I’ll continue to push for more progress in these areas over the coming months.”