Devon Show Debate will Explore the Questions for the Countryside. With food and farming bubbling up the political agenda, visitors to next week’s Devon County Show will be able to ask some of the best brains in the business what they think are the questions confronting the countryside. “Questions for the Countryside” is the title of the CLA breakfast-time debate on the first day of the Devon Show (Thursday May 17) when CLA national president, Harry Cotterell, will lead a team of panellists which includes Countryfile’s Adam Henson, Julie Girling MEP, Tony Richardson, South West Director of the RSPB and David Fursdon, head of the South West Rural and Farming Network. The event is being held in conjunction with the show organisers and will take the form of an “Question Time” style discussion. CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, says he’s looking forward to a lively exchange on the key issues facing the countryside. “Reform to the CAP is certain to feature among the questions – but we’ll want to explore what is to become of the CAP beyond its 2014 reform - and whether this is the beginning of the end of a European wide subsidy regime? “I’m sure the weather won’t be too far from people’s thoughts and, although we have endured record rainfall over the past few weeks, floods and swamped fields still don’t appear to be enough to prevent the annual headache of water shortages. Perhaps the panel will be challenged to give their ideas on who should be doing what to solve the problem of water shortages.” Mr Mortimer said Devon audiences could usually be relied on to set the panel some tough questions but, he added, the level of expertise and experience among the panellists meant they should be more than capable of fielding a few fast balls. Devon Show Secretary, Ollie Allen, said: Agricultural shows offer an ideal platform for people involved in the industry – politically or practically - to talk about the really important issues of the day. The Show and the CLA have a long track record of working together and we both want to offer people the chance to hear about the issues from those involved the sharp end.” Admission to the event, which is sponsored by Michelmores and Knight Frank, is by ticket only and these are available to members of the CLA and their guests or to members of the DCAA. To apply for a ticket contact the CLA on 01249 700200