51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - Lizzie Hacking: "I met farmers battling not just the elements, but the brutal realities of war"

Conservative Rural Forum chair Lizzie Hacking has written about her recent visit to Ukraine, the challenges Ukrainian farmers face fighting Russia's Vladimir Putin, and why the UK Government should extend tariff-free access for Ukrainian poultry and egg meats until 2029

clock • 3 min read
Lizzie Hacking, Conservative Rural Forum chair, said: "The determination of Ukraine's farmers ploughing fields strewn with mines and harvesting crops under the shadow of bombardment is inspiring."
(Ms Hacking pictured with Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Gaydu, chair of the Committee on Agranian and Land Policy, during a visit to Odesa earlier this month).
Image:

Lizzie Hacking, Conservative Rural Forum chair, said: "The determination of Ukraine's farmers ploughing fields strewn with mines and harvesting crops under the shadow of bombardment is inspiring." (Ms Hacking pictured with Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Gaydu, chair of the Committee on Agranian and Land Policy, during a visit to Odesa earlier this month).

Growing up on an east Sussex farm has instilled in me a deep respect for the resilience of rural communities. That respect was profoundly reinforced during a visit to Ukraine recently, where I met farmers...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Jeremy Clarkson welcome to join Restore Britain, Rupert Lowe says

Jeremy Clarkson welcome to join Restore Britain, Rupert Lowe says

Will Diddly Squat Farm's Jeremy Clarkson join what Rupert Lowe has dubbed the party of rural Britain?

Chris Brayford
clock 26 February 2026 • 2 min read
NFU Conference: New SFI scheme not enough to repair farmers' 'crisis of confidence' in Labour

NFU Conference: New SFI scheme not enough to repair farmers' 'crisis of confidence' in Labour

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said the deckchairs have been rearranged one too many times for farmers since Labour came to office in 2024

Chris Brayford
clock 25 February 2026 • 5 min read
IHT story is far from over, but campaign must continue in a different way

IHT story is far from over, but campaign must continue in a different way

What are the next steps farmers can take to stop the family farm tax at a time when some have argued that the fight to raise thresholds is 'dead' under the current Labour Government?

Chris Brayford
clock 25 February 2026 • 6 min read