About time we stop farmers subsidising city folk's cheap food

We should introduce a 'local food premium' for all agricultural produce sold within 50 miles of the farm gate. This premium, funded by a small levy on supermarkets and large food distributors, would ensure that farmers get a fairer price for their goods, especially those producing high-quality, sustainably farmed products that often cost more to produce. It’s about time we recognised the true cost of food and stopped expecting our rural communities to subsidise the cheap groceries enjoyed in urban areas.

The current system forces many small farms to cut corners or switch to less sustainable practices just to compete on price. This isn't good for the environment, it isn't good for animal welfare, and it certainly isn't good for the long-term viability of farming in areas like ours.