Alistair Carmichael MP joins Adam Dance’s Farming Forum in South Somerset to discuss future of UK agriculture

Farmers from across Yeovil and South Somerset gathered to take part in the latest Farming & Country Focus Group hosted by local MP Adam Dance. The event, held at Dillington Estate near Ilminster, welcomed special guest Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee, for an in-depth discussion on farming policy, food security, and the urgent need to reform the food supply chain.

Speaking to the group, Alistair gave insight into the work of the EFRA Committee, which is currently conducting inquiries into the future of farming, food chain fairness, climate resilience and water sector reform. He stressed that the committee’s job is to hold the Government to account, not to restore confidence—but noted the widespread anger across the sector following the Government’s last-minute closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

Adam Dance MP said:

“Our farmers are facing growing uncertainty—from food pricing and supermarket pressures to changes in environmental support schemes. That’s why I launched this forum: to ensure their voices are heard in Parliament and in policy-making. It was a privilege to welcome Alistair to South Somerset so he could hear directly from our local farmers.”

The session also explored Mr Carmichael’s Private Members’ Bill on Food Supply Chain Regulation and Public Procurement, aimed at rebalancing power between producers and supermarkets, and ensuring that public institutions—from schools to the armed forces—buy more British food.

Discussion ranged from food security and climate change to inheritance tax, land use, and the role of education in promoting agricultural careers. Several farmers raised concerns over unfair press coverage of meat production and the difficulty of competing with imported food produced to lower environmental and welfare standards.

Alistair Carmichael MP said:

“We must get serious about food security. If we lose more family farms and allow our food system to be dominated by low-cost imports, we risk long-term damage to both our environment and our rural economy. A fairer supply chain and stronger support for home-grown food production must be the foundation of future agricultural policy.”

Adam Dance also committed to raising issues discussed at the forum in Parliament, building on recent written questions about the closure of the SFI and his calls for fairer food pricing.

He added:

“This isn’t just about farming—it’s about our food, our environment, and our future. I’ll keep championing Somerset farmers every step of the way.”