As September rolled around, the temperature may have dropped across the county, but things certainly haven’t slowed down for NFU Devon! It’s been another busy month of representing members, meeting with decisionmakers, and highlighting the issues that matter most to farmers and growers across the county.
Dartmoor Forum:
On Monday 21st September, alongside Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP for Torridge and Tavistock, we welcomed DEFRA Minster Stephen Morgan MP to Dartmoor for our annual Dartmoor Forum. Key topics included the transition to new environmental schemes, the need for certainty and flexibility within future support payments, and the importance of ensuring farm businesses remain commercially viable while delivering environmental outcomes.
Members highlighted the challenges facing upland farmers, including disease pressures, extreme weather and ongoing uncertainty around agricultural policy. There was broad agreement on the value of collaborative working through the Land Use Management Group, with continued research and evidence gathering seen as essential to informing future management decisions.
The meeting reinforced the need for government policies that support both food production and environmental delivery, recognising that thriving farm businesses are fundamental to the future of Dartmoor.
Devon Stakeholder Day:
On Friday 25th September, we held our annual Stakeholder Day, welcoming local councillors, MPs and parliamentary staff to Ed and Heather Rhodes' mixed farm in Broadclyst.
The day included a walk with several stops around the farm, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to see first-hand some of the key challenges and possibilities facing the sector. Discussions covered a range of topics, including SFI, Water and environmental management, food security, and rural crime, to name just a few.
We were also joined by members of the NFU Devon Management team, who shared their own experiences and perspectives, helping to bring these important issues to life and providing valuable insight into the realities of farming businesses.
The day concluded with a fantastic lunch prepared by Heather Rhodes, featuring vegetables grown on the farm.
A huge thank you to Ed and Heather Rhodes for hosting us, and to our Management Board members for contributing their time and expertise. Events such as these are invaluable in helping us engage directly with local policymakers, raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the farming industry, and encourage meaningful discussions about how stakeholders can support the sector in their roles.
Farmwise:
On the 6th October, alongside a wide range of organisations from across Devon's farming industry, we attended Farmwise at Westpoint. As always, the NFU ran the popular Veg Zone, delivering six interactive stations that helped more than 1,500 Key Stage 2 children learn about where their food comes from and the vital role British agriculture plays in their everyday lives.
A huge thank you goes to all the members who volunteered their time to support the event and generously brought along produce, tractors and planters. Your enthusiasm and commitment helped make the day such a success, and we simply couldn't do it without you.
Dates for your Diary:
EA Winter Readiness and Remote Sensing Event: Wednesday 21 October. Join local Environment Agency Agricultural Officers and the Remote Sensing Team to learn more about the on farm and remote sensing work taking place across the Taw catchment. Please see email for details on how to register.
Annual NFU Devon Winter Conference: 18 November, Westpoint arena, Exeter. More details coming soon.
Return of NFU Devon's Big Bash: Friday 29 January. Tickets are NOW ON SALE, click here to buy yours. Warning, they are selling fast, so grab them now!