Concerns have been raised over the challenges faced by farmers by a local MP.

Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, has stated her concerns after a series of visits to farms and agricultural businesses in the constituency.

She visited numerous locations, including Mark Glover's Black Barn Farm in Grateley and T H White Pro Agri in Stockbridge.

During these visits, farmers shared their worries about the government's decision on inheritance tax for farmers, as well as the impact of increases in employer national insurance contributions.

READ MORE: T H WHITE Pro Agri Stockbridge visited by Caroline Nokes

The farmers also expressed uncertainty about the future of British farming and the pressures they are facing to sustainably grow food.

Ms Nokes said: "Farming is the backbone of our rural economy, providing food security, protecting the environment, and managing our landscapes.

"However, what I have heard firsthand from local farmers is that they face real and immediate challenges, and uncertainty within the sector is a growing concern.

"It is vital that we work towards a secure future for British agriculture."

Ms Nokes recently met with the National Farmers' Union (NFU) in Parliament to discuss the problems facing the sector and to hear their practical suggestions for changes that could provide greater certainty for the sector.

She has already highlighted some of these suggestions to the chancellor. Ms Nokes stressed the importance of financial stability and long-term policy certainty to support farmers in making key investments and business decisions.

She warned that the future viability of many small and medium-sized farms is under threat unless succession planning can be done with confidence.

The MP also pointed out that it is already hard to convince the next generation to continue longstanding family farming traditions without added financial pressure.

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Farmers also highlighted the cost of compliance and expressed frustration at regulatory uncertainty that makes it difficult to plan for the future.

Ms Nokes added: "I want to ensure farmers in Romsey and Southampton North, and across the country, have the support and stability they need to continue their essential work.

"Their role in our economy, environment, and local communities cannot be overstated, and I will continue to press the Chancellor to make sure British farming has a future."