Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has raised a series of questions in Parliament about issues facing farmers and rural communities across the constituency.
The MP questioned the Government on rural crime, fertiliser supplies, farming support and the future of agricultural services.
On rural crime, Sir Julian asked what action is being taken to tackle offences affecting rural communities.
The Government said it is working with the Home Office and police leaders through the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy 2025-28, which aims to reduce crime in rural areas and improve the response from police.
Ministers also highlighted measures aimed at tackling waste crime and prosecuting offenders.
Sir Julian also questioned the Government over the availability and cost of fertiliser, including the potential impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The Government remains committed to introducing CBAM from January 2027 and said it expects any additional costs for fertiliser to be modest, while continuing to keep the policy under review.
In a separate question, Sir Julian asked whether there would be adequate supplies of nitrogen fertiliser for farmers.
Ministers said current supplies are sufficient for this season, with fertiliser being sourced from both UK production and imports.
They added that fertiliser prices have stabilised in recent weeks and that the Government is continuing to work with the industry to monitor potential risks to supply.
The MP also raised the issue of transparency around the cost of fertiliser and red diesel.
In response, the Government pointed to weekly fertiliser price data now being published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, giving farmers more regular information on prices.
Ministers also highlighted action relating to red diesel, including engagement with the Competition and Markets Authority and changes to duty rates.
Sir Julian also asked about the coordination of agricultural payment schemes and application windows, with farmers currently navigating a number of different schemes and services.
The Government said its recently published Farming Roadmap sets out plans to bring farming services together into a more streamlined system.
The aim is to make it easier for farmers to access payments, grants, advice and compliance information through a single service.
The MP further questioned the Government on the impact of moving away from direct farm payments and what this could mean for food production and the financial viability of farms.
The Government said it is continuing the transition away from area-based payments while increasing investment in environmental land management schemes.
Ministers argued that the approach will support farm productivity, nature recovery and long-term food security.
Sir Julian said he would continue to raise the concerns of farmers, land managers and rural communities across the Skipton and Ripon constituency with the Government.
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