THE Maldon MP visited a business in the Dengie to discuss the impact of the increase in gas prices on its production process.

John Whittingdale, the Conservative MP for Maldon, has visited Dengie Crops in Asheldham and heard more about the business.

Dengie was started as a farmer's cooperative and is now the UK's leading grower and producer of Alfalfa, used in the production of animal feeds. 

Mr Whittingdale learned it grows some 2,000 hectares of Alfalfa which produces about 20,000 tonnes of high quality animal feed by dehydration.

It has more than 40 employees and was awarded a Royal Warrant in 2010.

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However, the Tory MP says he discovered in his visit that the drying process involved in production is highly energy-intensive.

Therefore, he says, the costs of the business have risen sharply as a result of the increase in the price of gas.

Mr Whittingdale said: "Dengie Crops is a terrific business which is owned and run by local farmers in the Dengie.

"It has been highly successful but now faces a huge challenge as a result of the hike in gas prices.

"I have already spoken to the Chancellor to alert him to the problems faced by energy-intensive agricultural businesses like Dengie and I very much hope that he will be able to provide some relief."