Stuart Anderson MP has urged farmers across South Shropshire to sign up to attend a free workshop to influence the rollout of a new £30 million fund that aims to help farmers collaborate on local issues.
- The event is being held held at Ludlow Livestock Market.
- It takes place from 6pm until 8pm on Tuesday, 31st March 2026.
- It is organised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Farming is a fundamental part of life in South Shropshire. It is often the case however that the voice of farmers is lost in the national conversation, and their livelihoods can be overlooked in pursuit of other interests. I want to deliver the funding and support that will give our farmers the confidence they need. So, I urge farmers across South Shropshire to sign up to attend this free workshop to influence the rollout of a new £30 million fund that aims to help farmers collaborate on local issues that matter to them. It is the latest addition to my Farming Support Portal, which details the latest support for farmers."
The workshop will shape the delivery of the £30 Farmer Collaboration Fund, which was announced on 7th January 2026. Over the next three years, it will provide funding for existing and new farmer groups and peer-to-peer networks. The scheme is designed to support farmer groups in growing their businesses, building partnerships, and sharing best practice. Officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said they want to empower farmers to find new opportunities to grow their businesses, share what works, build partnerships, and drive the kind of changes that comes from the ground up.
Announcing the Fund in January, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds MP said that it will "help those groups to connect with experts and create strong partnerships on everthing from environmental action to business growth." The workshops hope to bring together farmers and land managers from local areas including South Shropshire to help shape the new approach to farmer collaboration. In an invitation published online on 18th February 2026 , DEFRA officials said:
"We want to hear directly from you about what matters most, what challenges you face, and what opportunities you see ahead."
The invitation mentions that event will include a general update on the department's work and a 1.5 hour in-person workshop hosted by department staff. There will also be small-table discussions on a variety of topics including how the funding can be spent most effectively in local areas. The department has said it is keeping "numbers limited to ensure meaningful, in-depth discussions."
Stuart is promoting the opportunity as part of his campaign to champion local farmers, given their integral role in supporting the rural economy. Stuart hopes that as many local farmers as possible will engage with government officials on the delivery of the new Farmer Collaboration Fund, which aims to turn best practice into common practice. It is the latest addition to Stuart's Farming Support Portal, which details the latest range of grants, competitions and support schemes they can apply for. The Fund aims to support farmers and land managers by making it easier to share knowledge with each other. Farmers and land managers can register to attend via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/defra-farmer-collaboration-fund-workshop-tickets-1…
