Back British Farming Day in LNR
We kicked off September with a successful series of events for Back British Farming Day.
Assistant County Advider Ellie Edwards and I were at Melton Mowbray Market, where we had a stand at the farmers’ market and engaged with members of the public.
The Stilton, kindly donated by Long Clawson Dairy, was a real winner, bringing people to the stand and giving us the opportunity to talk about locally produced food.
On Wednesday, which was Back British Farming Day, our members Emma Greig and Pete Jarrom kindly hosted a farm visit for Leicestershire County councillors and their rural estates team.
Chaired by our County Chair, Rachel Fyfe, the visit gave councillors an insight into a working farm and the challenges faced by tenant farmers. It also highlighted the opportunities offered by county farms and how important they are for new starters in the industry.
On Friday, we met with the other councils across LNR. The Goodwin family kindly hosted West Northamptonshire councillors on farm, while the Spendlove family welcomed North Northamptonshire councillors. Andrew Brown, chair of Rutland County Council, hosted councillors from Rutland and the surrounding area.
During these events, attendees had the opportunity to see working farms and hear directly from our members.
We also asked for their support with local issues, mainly planning applications, fly-tipping and green waste, as well as national issues such as the incoming fertiliser tax and the challenges and pressures associated with environmental schemes and grant applications.
A big thank you to everyone who hosted and supported these events. They provided a valuable opportunity to showcase local farming and raise the issues that matter to our members.
Next county meeting
Our next county meeting will take place on 22 September, where we will have the privilege of welcoming Scott Pepe from NFU External Affairs to speak to us about everything Westminster.
Following our Back British Farming breakfast on 9 September, which brought together many MPs, and in the midst of party conference season, Scott will give us some insight into the new Labour government under Andy Burnham and provide updates on our current lobbying efforts.
We will also be joined by PC Chloe Gillies from Northamptonshire Rural Crime team to give us an update on all things rural crime in the county.
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