A COUNTY MP has backed Worcestershire's farmers as the harvest season reaches its peak.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin met with farmers and representatives from the National Farmers' Union to talk about the continued challenges posed by Brexit and the pandemic.

Mrs Baldwin was briefed on worker shortages and new regulations regarding soil care.

The farmers also shared their concerns about the future of the local hop growers and the impact that international trade deals may have on their businesses.

She said: "I regularly meet with local farmers to hear their news.

"Agriculture and food production are two major sector employers in West Worcestershire and it is helpful to chat to them and understand their challenges.

"I’ve already been able to raise one of their concerns with Government Ministers and clarified new soil management regulations for them and have agreed to listen in on national briefings about labour shortages.

"We all hope for good weather to allow the farmers to harvest their crops in the coming weeks and hope that local produce continues to be the star ingredient in the nation’s breakfast, lunch and dinner meals."