SHADOW Farming Minister Robbie Moore visited a family-run dairy farm on the edge of Exmoor to meet local farmers and discuss the key challenges facing them.

The visit was organised by Exmoor farmer and Conservative campaigner James Wright and hosted by Luke and David Partridge, who have a dairy herd in Stoodleigh.

Discussions centred on the issues affecting farming families, including concerns over Labour’s proposed inheritance tax changes for family farms, ways to improve productivity and profitability, and the critical role British farmers play in ensuring the nation’s food security.

Mr Moore highlighted the national challenges currently facing British agriculture.

He said: “Food security is national security and farmers are a vital part of our food system.

“Yet, they are facing mounting pressure from Labour’s tax policies, over regulation, and uncertainty around future support.

“We need policies that reward productivity, encourage innovation, and secure the long-term future of family farms.

“If we do not act now, we risk undermining the very foundation of our rural economy and food security.”

Mr Wright, who invited the MP to visit the Tiverton and Minehead constituency, emphasised the Shadow Minister’s visit was not just about farming.

He said: “Here in Tiverton and Minehead, farming is not just an industry, it is part of community.

“Labour’s plans do not just threaten farming, they are devastating our pubs, our village shops, and hard working families.

“Robbie’s visit shows that the Conservative Party is listening and fighting for rural communities.”

Mr Moore’s visit was part of ongoing efforts by local campaigners and the South West Conservative Rural Forum, which Mr Wright chairs, to ensure that the voices of farmers and communities such as those on Exmoor were heard in Westminster.

Mr Wright said there should be a focus on cutting red tape, protecting family farms, and driving rural economic growth.