‘Agriculture business also needs support’

Mrs Barton said: “The agriculture sector has broadly been ignored for support through the Covid-19 pandemic. Other businesses have received or are going to receive the Business Support Grant or the Hospitality, Tourism & Retail Grant. During all of this the farming community have continued to produce their products and manage to play their vital role in the food supply chain.

“This has been done in a situation where the livestock marts have closed, beef and lamb prices have tumbled, milk prices are steadily reducing, and to add insult to injury we hear of a processor bringing in Polish beef to supply a UK supermarket.

“These are stressful times for all businesses, including agriculture, therefore they must not be forgotten element of the Coronavirus pandemic, they must receive due and reasonable support to ensure there is a food supply beyond this crisis.

“It is important that farmers are given some knowledge of what is expected in the near future, therefore I will seek information on this significantly reduced bid from £105 million to £25 million.”