Devon MP calls for emergency fuel duty cut to support farming community

A Devon MP has called on the government to extend a helping hand to “struggling” farmers by introducing an emergency fuel tax cut, amid soaring red diesel prices and agricultural supplies.

Richard Foord, MP for the Honiton & Sidmouth constituency secured the last debate of the Parliamentary session. He told MPs last Wednesday (29 April), that the war in the Middle East is having a significant impact on British farming.

Spiralling costs of fertiliser, fuel and other supplies come as farmers are already under increasing pressure with weather patterns associated with climate change -  the impact of droughts, heatwaves and long periods of heavy rain are creating heavy financial losses.

Trade deals signed by the last Conservative government with Australia and New Zealand, that came into force in 2023 have also resulted in more imports, that are produced to lower welfare standards.

Mr Foord told MPs: “We have seen costs skyrocket in recent months. Fuel and fertiliser costs have shot up, while the price of feed for livestock is set to follow. Farmers are facing volatile international markets, while being told constantly that support is under review or ‘being monitored.’”

The Honiton & Sidmouth constituency, which includes a wide rural hinterland, stretches from Raymonds Hill in the East to Aylesbeare in the West. North to South, it reaches from Cullompton to Sidmouth, and supports a large farming community.

“Farming is not just another sector”, Mr Foord said.  “It is critical national infrastructure, just like power stations and data centres. Too often, it is an afterthought - under-supported, neglected and left exposed to global shocks.

“Red diesel tells another concerning story. Prices of red diesel in recent months have doubled, rising from 69p a litre at the start of the middle east conflict, to well over £1.23 a litre on 7 April.”

Mr Foord added: “Food and farming policy should be about resilience. Instead, the Government presides over continued dependence on imports, higher costs and a system of support that is unpredictable and bureaucratic. Farmers are being asked to bear the brunt of shocks at a time when many of them are struggling to make ends meet.”

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an emergency fuel duty cut that would bring down the cost of red diesel used by UK farmers by around £5 million over the next three months, to help remedy these rising costs.