A group of local farmers from around Midsomer Norton have openly criticised Jacob Rees Mogg for what they have called his "cheapness, intensification and cost savings over any environmental or animal welfare standards. "

The MP has been slated for his comments, reportedly at the recent Conservative Party conference, that he is eager to eat hormone treated beef from Australia.

The group in a letter to the leading industry magazine Farmers Weekly said : " We think that it's a shame you are extoling practices that the UK outlawed 30 years ago. "

The farmers include Andrew Wear who is the chair of Mendip Hills AONB & Sheep farmer of the year 2022 of Fernhill Farm in the Mendips.

The farmers who all signed wrote : "We take pride in our ability to produce high-quality, sustainable food for our nation. It's not about inefficiency or protectionism, as you have suggested, but rather about maintaining the integrity of our agricultural practices and ensuring food safety. We firmly believe that embracing sustainability, supporting local farmers, and maintaining our high standards should be at the forefront of our agricultural policies. This not only benefits us as farmers but also ensures that consumers have access to safe, nutritious, and ethically produced food. "

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