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Standing up for Kent's farmers

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Visiting a farm
Helen pledges to Back British Farming
Helen with local farmers
Helen with NFU President Minette Batters
Helen at Fruit Focus 2019

Farming is important to Faversham and Mid Kent and makes a significant contribution to our local economy. From our famous fruit farms and large arable farms, sheep on the downs and marshes, to smaller scale dairy herds, hop growers, vineyards and organic producers, agriculture shapes our countryside - and it’s crucial to our tourism and food and drink industries.

I want to safeguard Kent’s future as the Garden of England.  This is important for our local economy and for national food security.  This clearly involves the Government taking some action, but we can all help too, by making sure we buy Kentish produce at the shops.

News

Helen with pear tree

Kent farmers to get share of new 30,000 seasonal worker scheme

Wednesday, 23 December, 2020

The number of workers allowed to travel to the UK to pick and package fruit and veg will be increased for next year’s harvest.

Helen at Glebe ponds in Lenham

Have your say on plans for a new woodland in Kent

Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

Woodlands are really special places.

They’re fantastic for nature as well as spaces for people to walk and kids to play.

Helen leaning on farm gate

Historic Agriculture Bill becomes law

Monday, 16 November, 2020

Last week our historic Agriculture Bill passed into law.

This is a hugely exciting moment, not just for farmers, but for everyone who cares about our environment and the food we eat.

Helen at Wayfarers vineyard

Kent wine production goes from strength to strength

Wednesday, 9 September, 2020

I was delighted to congratulate family-run business, Wayfarers, on their award-winning wines.

The Ashford family planted their first vines on a south facing slope on the North Downs in 2016, near their family home in Hollingbourne.

Helen litter picking

Kent tips set to re-open

Thursday, 7 May, 2020

It’s good news that Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in Kent will be opening again soon.

Tips across the country were closed in March as social distancing proved difficult to maintain.

Helen visiting an orchard in Kent

Give a hand on the land

Wednesday, 8 April, 2020

This year we need more British people to help bring home the harvest.

Kent produces some of the best fruit and vegetables around, but farms require thousands of seasonal workers to pick crops in our fields and orchards.

Helen planting a tree

A better future for Platts Heath and Sandway

Monday, 9 March, 2020

People in Platts Heath and Sandway have two good reasons to celebrate.

The site of a proposed lorry park is set to become a new woodland instead. This is great news for local residents and nature alike. 

Helen with the new DEFRA Secretary, George Eustice MP

More seasonal workers to support farmers

Thursday, 20 February, 2020

Farmers this year will be able to recruit more workers on a temporary basis from outside the EU.

I’m pleased the Government will be increasing the pilot Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme to 10,000 workers in 2020 – an increase from 2,500 workers last year.

Helen visiting Glebe Pond in Lenham

A better future for nature in Kent

Wednesday, 12 February, 2020

We all want to see nature thrive.

From turtledoves in the orchards around Selling, lapwings at the Graveney Marshes, to songbirds in the Weald – Kent is home to an astonishing range of wildlife and habitats.

Helen backing British farming

£3 billion secured to help farmers in 2020

Thursday, 9 January, 2020

I’m pleased the Government has confirmed that farmers will continue to receive the same level of support in 2020 as they did last year.

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Helen Whately Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid Kent

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