NSA Northern Region with Victoria Atkins MP

Shadow Secretary Victoria Atkins spent two days with NSA Northern Region members this week on a fact-finding visit focused on future farm support, business resilience and environmental delivery.

Her visit began on Wednesday at Metcalfe Farms, Leyburn, where the family showcased how they have successfully diversified while keeping farming at the centre of their operations. They demonstrated the scale and professionalism of the business, including a tour of the modern dairy unit and wider enterprises.

On Thursday morning Victoria visited Rich and Jen Oglesby near Rothbury. The couple shared their impressive journey building a one thousand ewe flock across 22 landlords in the Pocklington area before securing the opportunity to contract share farm a 1,400 acre upland unit in Northumberland. Their story highlighted the determination and ambition that continues to drive new entrants and established farmers alike.

On Thursday afternoon, Victoria joined members at Darlington Farmers Auction Market, where she formally launched the "Close the Flag" initiative. The policy calls for tighter food labelling laws that give shoppers clearer information and help protect the integrity of British produce.

Labour availability, scheme accessibility and the cash flow pressures created by uncertain support arrangements were key discussion points across both days. Members stressed how delays and complexity in current schemes are affecting confidence and long-term planning.

NSA Northern Manager Chris Adamson says: “It was valuable to show the range of farming systems across the region and the real-world implications of current support challenges.” He also welcomed the opportunity to discuss the Grazing for Good project and its impact in the Lakes and wider uplands. Victoria has been invited back to meet farmers there and see first-hand the issues they are facing.