Speaking from Westminster, Carla Lockhart said:

“Sir Robert takes up this role at a very challenging time for UK farming. Food security, inflation, challenges around input costs and climate change all are very pertinent topics facing the sector.

It is however encouraging that Sir Robert will be well placed to know the issues at hand, as someone who is a working farmer on his family farm near Malton. He also previously served as Farming Minister. Representing Scarborough and Whitby, he will also have a good grasp of issues facing our fishing industry.

I will be engaging with the new Chair in the days ahead to ensure he is aware of the impact of the NI Protocol on Northern Ireland’s farming and fishing industry. Previously Sir Robert has indicated his commitment to the integrity of the UK internal market, so it is my hope he will join us in seeking a new way forward. We also need support in ensuring ongoing financial support for our farmers from the Government, and I will be pressing this matter with the new Chair.”