While County Adviser Freya Samuel-Smith continues to recover after an accident, Regional Network Manager Hannah Padfield is working on your behalf with your officeholders and group secretaries.
This includes finalising plans for the NFU’s presence at Hertfordshire Show on 23 and 24 May, which is such a fantastic shop window for the county’s food and farming.
We’ll have a stand in the farming and countryside area, and County Chair Robert Law hopes you will pop along for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee.
Planning is also well under way for our pre-harvest health and safety event, taking place at Harps Farm, Bedlars Green CM22 7TL on 8 July.
This morning workshop will cover essential health and safety topics, likely to include ATV and quad bike safety, emergency first aid, vehicle and licence regulations, lone working and tyre safety. See below for more information.
Rural crime remains a key concern and we’re working with Hertfordshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure it’s high on the policing agenda.
One issue involves farms being targeted by rogue traders laying tarmac and then attempting to extort money.
If you spot this happening or are targeted, please call 999. Do not approach. Also report this on the Rural Police WhatsApp. If you receive a call from them, also report via 999.
Do not pay any money. You can also block your phone to prevent further calls. Keep a log of the time any calls are received as the police can contact phone companies to trace numbers, even if withheld.
It is imperative that any situation is reported and any intel or footage provided to the police. A coordinated approach to dealing with this, including across border, will only happen if the police are aware of the frequency of these incidents.
The NFU is also working to highlight the impact the Iran war is having on food and farming now, and the increasingly worrying implications if it continues.
Lea Valley Growers Association President Jimmy Russo of Valley Grown Salads has undertaken several national media interviews on this, discussing the cost issues affecting all producers.
Thanks to Jimmy, and to everyone else who has spoken to the media or their local MP on this crucial issue.