"We want superfast rural broadband now!"
This was the message, loud and clear, from local farmers and growers to Victoria Atkins, Conservative Candidate for Louth & Horncastle, during recent meetings that she had this month.
“I got the message from NFU HQ in London on Thursday, from farmers and growers in Horncastle and Coningsby on Friday, and in Revesby on Saturday!” declared Victoria “ I am going to do all in my power to persuade the powers-that-be to deliver in rural areas as a matter of urgency. With Single Farm Payment applications going online soon, it is essential that our agricultural industry has a fast and effective means of access to the internet.”
“Of course, the issue of internet access is not just confined to the farming community. Whilst progress has been made in Mablethorpe and other areas, many residents have contacted me about poor broadband access from across the constituency. Please get in touch with me at [email protected] with examples of poor internet access in Louth & Horncastle and I will act.”
The Tory Candidate was briefed by NFU President, Meurig Raymond, at the recent Conservative Conference on a variety of national agricultural issues but it was the views expressed by farmers in Louth & Horncastle that have made most impact.
“For example, there is an immediate need for a review of the evidence regarding cereal pesticides sanctioned by the EU” she commented “in the interests of environmental sustainability as well as successful cropping. I will be making this case strongly to DEFRA Ministers, as well as farmers’ concerns about supermarket prices.”