Back British Farming - This month the NFU has been busy arranging and delivering the Back British Farming campaign. Alongside the usual Westminster activity, we are also inviting MPs and Councils out on farm across the country to encourage them to support farming. Look out for the trademark wheat pin badge in PMQ’s and on social media as well as banners across the countryside.
In West Sussex - Officeholders have met with; John Milne MP for Horsham at a roundtable held at Trenchmore Farm. We invited Tom Rutland MP for West Worthing and Shoreham to Hugh Passmore’s farm in Lancing along with the Leader of Worthing Borough Council and members. In the afternoon Caroline Harriott and Dom Gardner met with Beccy Cooper MP for West Worthing on farm. Despite the weather, members were able to raise a broad range of issues affecting their businesses and MPs went away with subjects to follow up including; imported Brazilian beef, fertiliser tax and ongoing IHT concerns.
Defra out on farm - Regional Board Chair, Caroline Harriott, hosted Defra Director Mike Rowe. Robyn Munt, NFU Vice President, along with HQ colleagues Andrew Clarke and Fayza Benlamkadem had a great opportunity to hold candid conversation with Director of Defra, Mike Rowe and his colleague Caroline Nicholls who leads the arable elements of the ELMS offer. Starting with a tour of the Sussex farm and followed by a lunch with County Chair, Frans De Boer and members who have experienced complexities with their agreements, the day provided an opportunity to discuss very detailed, scheme specific points. The meeting took place the day before the Government announcement on support for farmers so was very timely in some of the discussions.
Bluetongue - In August, East Region Livestock Board Chair, Hugh Broom visiting Hailsham market with vet Nick Pile to discuss Bluetongue. The APHA Bluetounge Map has been updated to show Hot Zones to denote the density of reported cases as well as the triangles still denoting confirmed cases. Those who have been following this disease will know that the county looks steady at the moment. The message remains the same “please make sure you vaccinate all susceptible stock.” Vaccine supplies are available but supply responds to demand so, if you have not done so order from your vet.
Rural Crime Week of Action - It has also been Rural Crime Week of Action, Sussex Police have arranged to promote awareness on the subject of livestock worrying. County Chairs, Martin Hole and Frans De Boer, have written to Sussex Police Chief Constable, Jo Shiner to ask for a more consistent response to hare coursing incidents. The letter is being sent to Chief Constables across the country and is co-signed with the NFU National Officeholders.
County AGM - Please save the date for the County AGM which will be held at lunchtime on Tuesday 24th November.