Cultivating kids as well as crops

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This article appeared in The Diss Express on 16 December 2005

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon brings Diss Express readers up to date with some of his recent constituency visits

Farming has seen vast changes over recent years and many farmers have left the industry because they can no longer make it pay.

For those who remain, like Ben Gaze of Roydon whom I visited recently, the way forward is to expand and diversify. Ben rents extra land for cultivation. He plants traditional crops such as wheat, barley, oil seed rape, sugar beet, peas and beans, but also supplies top London restaurants with hand-picked coriander - a service he now offers to local outlets.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU:
Richard Bacon MP with children at
Conkers Nursery

Taking on contract farming and sharing machinery costs with neighbours are now increasingly essential for those who want to continue farming. So is turning redundant farm buildings into usable properties. Ben converted an old barn into the highly successful Conkers Nursery run by daughter-in-law Debbie. Nurturing young minds as well as crops can't be bad!

Supermarkets debate

Waveney Valley Food Group has asked me to chair their debate on supermarkets in Diss early in the New Year.

Supermarkets affect us all whether we use them or not as they affect other local businesses.

Come along and debate issues such as animal welfare conditions and food labelling.

Producers, consumers and supermarket representatives have been invited to take part.

Whether you have pro or anti views on supermarkets, come and put your questions to the panel on Thursday 12 January 2006 at 7.30 pm at Diss Christian Community Church on Vinces Road.

Health matters

Recently I met with Dr Ian Hulme at the Parish Fields Practice in Diss for an update on the issues currently facing GPs.
Dr Hulme told me of his concerns about the financial pressures which the Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust is under.

HEATH ISSUES:
Richard Bacon MP
with Dr Ian Hulme
of the Parish Fields
Practice, Diss

NHS finances are not made easier by 'Choose and Book', a government-driven computerised booking system which is supposed to offer greater choice for hospital bookings, as well as more convenient appointment dates and times for patients.

As usual with big computer projects, the talk and the reality are rather different, so GPs cant even access it or the accompanying electronic prescription service. Most worrying is the fear that this is money wasted which the hard-pressed PCT could have spent on patient care.

▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 642769.

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