Chance to help shape farming’s future at NFU meeting

The Government's consultation paper, on a future agricultural policy post Brexit, is arguably the most significant report in decades and will have an impact on the industry's future for generations to come.

The paper will set out the Government's strategy for agricultural policy after the country splits from the EU and what will replace the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Farmers and growers are urged to attend the county meeting at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on April 11 at 7.30pm to discuss the command paper, its implications for the industry and the union's response.

Speaking earlier this year Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said there were "huge opportunities for those in agriculture to play the leading role in shaping the future strategy".

Oswestry farmer Malcolm Roberts, NFU regional board chairman, said: "The NFU is on the front foot and has already set out its vision for the future policy and its Framework for Success sets out a bold and ambitious policy for farmers to succeed post Brexit.

"This vision gives us a solid foundation from which to respond to the consultation but we want to build on that, continuing the conversation with our members across the region."

Mr Roberts said: "I would urge farmers to come along as we need to make sure that each and every one of our members has an opportunity to have their say on this very significant consultation, so that together the voice of farming and its interests are heard loud and clear by Government and MPs.

"Profitable, productive and resilient farm businesses are key to delivering the public goods the Defra Secretary refers to and we believe that good quality, safe and traceable food is a public right and we believe it is a public good for generations to come.

"In order to keep delivering for Britain, farm businesses need to be productive, profitable and resilient to volatility.

"This must be at the forefront of Government policy if we are to have a farming sector that feeds us, cares for our countryside and delivers economic benefits."

Members of the NFU's policy directorate will be on hand to present the Government's proposals, alongside what the NFU's position has been and how the NFU's response is developing.