Sir John Whittingdale met with members from the NFU last week to discuss issues affecting local farming.

The MP for Maldon had a breakfast meeting with members of the Maldon and Southminster NFU Branch at the Purleigh Bell.

The meeting was attended by NFU Secretary, John Harvey, and County Adviser, Hamish Debnam-Sharp as well as farmers from across the Maldon area and the Dengie Peninsula, chaired by Cllr Jane Fleming.

The discussion centred on the Government's proposed imposition of Inheritance Tax on Farms through the removal of Agricultural Property Relief. Other issues which were raised included the new Environmental Land Management Schemes as well as the challenge of rural crime such as hare-coursing and fly-tipping.

Sir John said: "Farming is still an incredibly important industry in the Maldon District and makes a vital contribution to our food security. It was very good to hear from a large number of local farmers and am grateful to the NFU for organising the breakfast.

"I fully understand the deep concern felt locally about the damage that will be done by the Government's removal of Agricultural Property Relief – Labour's Family Farm Tax which will bring an end to many farms that have been worked for generations. I will continue to press the Government to rethink its plans."

The National Farmers Union (NFU) represents more than 44,000 farming and growing businesses. Its purpose is to campaign for a sustainable future for British Farmers and promote British farm life.