‘Rush’ for renewables puts food security at risk – MP

Former science  minister George Freeman MP has accused the government of putting food security at risk by prioritising Net Zero over farming.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Freeman (pictured right) said swathes of farmland risked being lost under subsidised solar panels generating expensive electricity as the government “rushed” to reach net zero at the expense of food production.

“What we are not happy about is this government’s rush to force our consumers to pay higher bills and see a very, very important agricultural area of Norfolk turned at vast subsidy into farmers farming solar panels,” he said.

Accusing the government of abandoning “agricultural leadership in Net Zero,” Mr Freeman said the offer of paying consumers £250 compensation for higher bills and the defoliation of a large part of Norfolk had no consideration for local people.

The issue of solar panels on farmland is increasingly contentious – and the Tenant Farmers Association has urged the government to explain how tenants can be protected from largescale solar developments.

TFA chief executive George Dunn spoke out after the government gave the go-ahead for a major solar development in North Yorkshire – despite the application being rejected by the local planning committee.

“This decision is also crushing for the wider tenanted sector,” said Mr Dunn. “We need the government to explain urgently how it will protect other tenant farmers from having to face this trauma.”

Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said spiralling energy prices for consumers over the past few years had shown why the UK needed to break its reliance on fossil fuels.

“It is not a reality that we think is tenable – so we will sprint to clean power, because that is the route by which we achieve energy security for the country, and financial security for families.

“We are on the right side of history, and on the side of consumers.”

NFU adviser takes on London Marathon for charity

A Herefordshire woman will take on the London Marathon for a charity tackling rural isolation and people struggling in farming communities.

Ali Parker, whose family farm is near Bromyard, is training for the big event on 27 April. This will be her first marathon and she hopes to raise £10,000 for the We Are Farming Minds initiative.

Raising awareness

Founded by Sam and Emily Stables, the charity was set up to break the stigma around mental health in the farming community. It provides training, events, information, advice and support that is designed to raise awareness.

Ms Parker, who is NFU Herefordshire county adviser, said she enjoyed running – but a marathon was never an ambition until she found out the charity had a place.

“I went for it and was lucky enough to be given the spot,” she said. “I’m turning 30 at the start of April so this feels an appropriate challenge, but most importantly I am so pleased to raise money for We Are Farming Minds in the process.

“Working as Herefordshire NFU county adviser I see day-to-day the relentless difficulties facing farming families. With so many challenges outside of farmers’ control, life can feel like a constant battle, often being fought in isolation.

“As a result, poor mental health in farming is 46% higher than in other occupations – and sadly all of us in the farming community know of loved ones who have struggled with mental health challenges.

“We Are Farming Minds is doing fantastic work in the county helping those who are struggling and also tackling rural isolation and I think it’s never been a more important time to support charities like this.”

We Are Farming Minds project manager Emily Jones said: “Last year was our busiest to date, with a 51% increase in counselling referrals and an increase in demand for all our other services. So far 2025 has been busier still.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/page/ali-parker