With almost perfect weather for the last few weeks, summer has well and truly begun, and our corner of Lincolnshire is looking its absolute best.
Of course, we had a unique chance to showcase this last week at Lincolnshire Showground for the 138th Lincolnshire Show. Attracting over 60,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors, the Show provides an important platform to highlight great local producers and businesses, as well as Lincolnshire’s culture and traditions.
Organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, the flagship event aims to educate attendees about food, farming, and the environment. While most MPs were required in Parliament to vote on legislation, it was excellent that the Farming Minister, Mark Spencer MP, was able to attend on behalf of the Government to meet with local farmers and council leaders.
Strengthening the relationship between the Government, our local authorities, and local producers allows farmers and growers to better share their expertise. Crucially, whether you live in one of our surrounding villages or in the very centre of Grantham, when our farmers succeed, we all succeed.
Earlier this month, the minister informed me that farmers in our area alone have recently been awarded more than £300,000 as part of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, helping to boost farm productivity, reduce waste, and cut input costs, as well as increase the sustainability of local farms.
Nationally, with this fund almost doubling due to farmer demand and helping more than 3,000 farmers and contractors as part of a £2.4 billion annual investment in farming, this will also help to increase our country’s food security.
Support for our producers comes alongside further targeted support to help residents in both urban and rural areas to prosper. As I have mentioned previously, the £5.5 million Future High Street Fund for Grantham has the potential to help regenerate our town centre by bringing jobs, footfall, and enhanced local pride to our community.
Furthermore, our new Unleashing Rural Opportunity plan should further boost our rural communities and businesses by focussing on growing the rural economy, improving connectivity, securing homes for local people, and improving community access to public services.
In addition, the importance of tourism to our local economy connects both urban and rural areas, which is why I am looking forward to meeting with Destination Lincolnshire later today to discuss their plans to work with local authorities, businesses, and the Government to attract even more tourists to our area.
Success in vital local sectors such as farming and tourism, underpinned by better technology and enhanced cooperation, is vital for the continued prosperity of our area.
Now summer is here, I hope everyone is able to enjoy the lovely weather and make the most of what our wonderful home has to offer.
