Craggs & Co were honoured to welcome NFU President to East Close Farm. Meurig Raymond, who was elected NFU President in 2014, visited East Close Farm, Sedgefield where he met a group of members to hear their thoughts and opinions on relevant issues and concerns facing farmers today.
Mr Raymond was keen to tour the entire farm bsuiness enabling him to see the infrastructure which allows the 2,000-acre farm to produce an annual average of 8,000 tons of Group 1 milling wheat and to understand why the farm recently diversified into spelt flour production and launched the new business Craggs & Co.
Kate White, Head of Marketing & Product Development for Craggs & Co said ‘It was a pleasure to welcome Meurig to our farm today. It’s fantastic to have the NFU President, who is an incredibly high profile and influential character, touring our farm. He was genuinely interested to see the latest investments we have made and to hear why we chose to become ancient grain specialists and diversify from the fluctuating milling wheat market.’
As NFU President, Mr Raymond is working tirelessly to ensure that farming and food production remains high on the political agenda. This influence is of paramount importance to the agricultural industry as we approach uncertain times with regards to Brexit and the possible glyphosate ban.
Speaking to a selection of local farmers Mr Raymond commented on the increased importance of supporting British farmers and produce. Farmers have thrived on the free-movement of cost effective European labour, access to continental consumers and financial subsidies but with Brexit looming it is essential that British farmers and their produce receive Government and public support to protect and maintain our strong British farming businesses.
Stephen Craggs, Farmer and Managing Director of Craggs & Co said ‘The hard work and lobbying that Meurig carries out on a daily basis is essential to our business. It’s great to see an increased demand for British produce, the UK consumer is becoming increasingly conscious of where their food is coming from. British farmers are proud to produce fantastic quality food and it’s great that more and more consumers are looking for the Red Tractor logo when shopping. By visiting farms, like ours, and listening to representatives from mixed farming enterprises, we feel rest assured that the NFU is supporting our farming needs and wholeheartedly backing our British produce.