Environment secretary George Eustice dropped in on renowned cheesemakers Liz Godsell and Bryan McNab-Jones.
The secretary was joined Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie for a meeting with local farmers to discuss rural issues.
Godsells Cheese is a range of hand made cheeses made at Church Farm, in Leonard Stanley, using milk from their herd of cows and one other local farm. All cheeses are made with pasteurized milk and are suitable for vegetarians.
The group talked about various rural issues, innovations and the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
The minister and Siobhan were also shown around the free-range dairy farm in Leonard Stanley that also makes and sells cheese and milk and were told it had applied for money from the scheme for a new roof to prevent pollution runoff by keeping the rain off the farm’s yard.
“I was really pleased the minister made the trip to Stroud to speak in person to our local farmers and to listen to their thoughts and concerns and see some of the innovation taking place,” said Siobhan.
“These are changing times for agriculture following the UK leaving the EU and it’s important the minister and myself hear views from those who are our food producers and the custodians of the countryside.
“Thank you to all those who attended and especially to Liz and Bryan for hosting us.”
George Eustice said: “It was good to visit Godsells Farm yesterday and see for myself the investment that has been made in the improvement of facilities which has boosted herd production.
“The initiatives that Godsells have implemented, including a vending machine selling fresh milk and cheese, have proved very popular.
“Our new agricultural schemes will support farming businesses, like Godsells, to deliver profitable food production, with increased investment in innovation and technology.”
Gloucestershire NFU spokeswoman Katie Jarvis added: “The farmers appreciated the chance to exchange views with the Secretary of State and Siobhan Baillie on important farming issues, and to demonstrate the positive environmental gains being made through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.”
