Paul and I have had a strong focus on member engagement, political activity and building key stakeholder relationships this month. Officeholders have also been met ahead of the Regional Board and National Council.
Representation – Regional Board Chair, Caroline Harriott and I attended the inaugural Food Security Conference in Chichester. Titled "Surviving a Food Crisis", attendees heard from key note speaker Tim Lang and the wide range of stakeholder attendees. It was great to represent farming and discuss food production and supply chain challenges with those outside the sector at a local level.
Surrey Police – I met with the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioners office and deputy Ellie Vesey-Thompson to follow up on issues raised by members at the recent meeting focusing on rural crime. One of the issues addressed was the timelines members are waiting when applying for shotgun renewals. This led to a further discussion with Simon Starns, Chief Inspector Firearms licensing for Sussex and Surrey who has confirmed an improvement in resources the team have to tackle applications.
Member meetings – The Surrey County Management Group met in mid October and discussed the upcoming AGM as well as planning future sessions on health and safety. Ruminators saw 30 dairy members gather for dinner and a presentation from highly regarded farmer David Christensen and hear about his farming career both on and off the farm. Redhill met and heard from John Baker, a Surrey County Council Countryside Access Officer, the group discussed issues such as responsible dog walkers and those under taking the Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.
Merrist Wood College - In mid October the West Sussex Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Meeting took place at Merrist Wood College and University Centre. Attendees were given a tour of the recently completed £22 million Norman Shaw and Peyto Shrubb buildings, along with the new commercial glasshouses. These impressive facilities have been designed with the future in mind, giving learners access to modern workshops, laboratories, technology and specialist learning environments that closely reflect the industries and workplaces they will move into.
Training – Surrey members recently attended both the Rodent Management Level 2 Certification and Welfare of Animals in Transport (WATO) Training at Plumpton College. The rodenticide training provided an important update on the new requirements for purchasing professional-grade rodenticides. We also delivered WATO training, which is required for transporting livestock over 65km (40 miles) on journeys of up to eight hours. If you missed them and would like to undertake the training, please contact [email protected].
Branch AGM reminders:
Surrey West Branch AGM - Tuesday 3rd November, NFU Mutual Milford Office.
Redhill Branch AGM - Monday 9th November, Norwood Place Farm.
Dorking Branch AGM - Thursday 12th November, Denbies Wine Estate.
Oxted Branch AGM - Wednesday 18th November, Master Park & The Park Hub.
County AGM – Members will have received a personal invite from County Chair, Jim Simmons to The Surrey AGM on Monday 23rd November, please register online for what promises to be a wonderful event.