Somerset farmers hit back at Jacob Rees-Mogg ‘hormone’ comments

A group of 11 Somerset farmers, who operate in the same constituency as Jacob Rees-Mogg, has written to the former minister lambasting his understanding of agriculture and accusing him of undermining British farming values.

Sir Jacob hit the headlines last week when he spoke at a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, saying he wanted to eat hormone-treated beef from Australia as it was “absolutely delicious” and cost less.

See also: Jacob Rees-Mogg’s pro-Aussie beef comments spark reaction

He went on to claim farmers in his constituency were able to compete globally, and he accused the NFU of being “protectionist” for wanting to keep Australian beef out of the UK market.

The comments sparked a backlash from farmers, with president Minette Batters accusing Sir Jacob of being “morally bankrupt” and  wanting to “annihilate British agriculture”.

And now farmers in his own constituency, led by Andrew Wear, chair of Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and Farmers Weekly’s Sheep Farmer of the Year 2022, have written to the MP, to express their anger and dismay.

Outlawed practices

“We think that it’s a shame you are extolling practices that the UK outlawed 30 years ago on health grounds,” the letter says.

“We believe strongly that you have failed to grasp the complexities of our industry and are undermining British farming values.

“Are you seriously suggesting that we return to using hormones in our beef production?

“If not, then how do you expect us to compete against cheap Australian beef and why are you promoting the interests of lower-standard farming abroad?”

While Sir Jacob seemed to prioritise cheapness, intensification and cost savings, the farmers said their preference was to care for animals and preserve the landscape.

Farming standards undermined

“Farmers need support to embrace agri-environmental schemes, and improve animal welfare standards, but how can we do that if these standards are being undermined by cheap, hormone-injected beef flooding the market?” the letter asks.

“We firmly believe that embracing sustainability, supporting local farmers, and maintaining our high standards should be at the forefront of our agricultural policies,” it adds.

“This not only benefits us as farmers, but also ensures that consumers have access to safe, nutritious, and ethically produced food.

“We urge you to consider the possible damaging ramifications of your words to farmers in your own constituency and in the UK as a whole.”

Sustain view

Will White, sustainable farming coordinator at Sustain, said: “Jacob Rees-Mogg’s comments display a profound lack of understanding of the issues facing farmers he’s meant to be championing.

“We need a food system which prioritises the environment, animal welfare, and fair profits for farmers.

“Further intensification won’t deliver on any of these points. Hormone-injected beef belongs in the past and we need governments to back our farmers, not allow them to be undercut by poorly negotiated trade deals.”