Agenda item

To consider the Notice of Motion from Cllrs Nabil Najjar and Elizabeth Threlfall as attached.

On invitation of the Chairman Cllr Nabil Najjar proposed the motion as set out in the agenda, which was seconded by Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall.

Cllr Najjar stated that Wiltshire was the most farmed county in the South West of England, and noted the tough job facing farmers including dealing with the impacts of climate change and geopolitical uncertainty. He explained the motion was intended to set out the support of Wiltshire Council for farmers in the council area, including through promotion of local produce and support for rural ways of life whilst working proactively with farmers to meet carbon net zero targets.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change responded to the motion. He noted comments made by the Wiltshire Climate Alliance regarding the impacts of methane and farming, which he said could be discussed further including by the Climate Emergency Task Group. He expressed his support for the motion.

The Chairman moved that the Council debate the motion, which was seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

Group Leaders were then invited to comment on the motion. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, supported the motion. He stated climate change actions regarding working with and supporting farmers in long term stewardship of the land, understanding the issues they were facing, and assisting them where possible.

Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group stated his support for farmers and the motion.

The Chairman then opened the item for debate.

Comments in support of the motion included the backing of farmers and food producers, and welcoming any active actions the council could offer toward that aim. The high-quality meat and dairy produce of Wiltshire was praised, alongside the need to enhance the countryside and seek opportunities to diversify without sacrificing valuable food producing land.

There were no comments in direct opposition to the motion.

Other comments asked whether the council’s policies all aligned on the issues, including raising the issue of an incinerator being constructed next to the largest dairy factory in the county. There were comments in support of the principle of the motion, but which questioned whether there was sufficient detail in how the support offered would materialise, and comments on the importance of food security and against the selling of farmland. Difficulties facing the farming industry were detailed.

At the conclusion of the debate Cllr Holder responded to a comment regarding options on the treatment of food waste.

Cllr Najjar then responded to the debate, thanking Members for their support of the motion. He stated if approved this would set a clear stance which could then be incorporated into council policy and actions developed. He also discussed the balance between food security and environmental preservation.

At the conclusion of debate, it was therefore,

Resolved:

Wiltshire Council is committed to supporting local farmers and food producers across our county. Britain has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and Wiltshire Council should engage and work in partnership with our poultry, arable and livestock farmers to ensure they can continue to enhance our countryside and contribute to our nation's food security.

The Council must work to support them by being sympathetic to diversification opportunities and by promoting local produce through our new Wiltshire Marque labelling programme.

As a Council, we will be vocal in opposing attempts to diminish the role our meat, dairy, and arable farmers play in our rural way of life.

In line with our environmental commitments, Wiltshire Council should, where practical, provide food at council events sourced from local suppliers. This includes meat, fish, dairy, fruit, and vegetables.

Wiltshire Council should also work to raise awareness of the importance of shopping locally, wherever possible, taking advantage of home-grown, affordable, and nutritious food, especially through our farm shops, reducing the “food miles” on our plates and supporting our producers.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (70)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (3)

Details of the recorded vote are attached to these minutes.