9.30am registration - 10am presentations – 1pm lunch – 2.00pm tours
Cost £15 CLA members; £25 non-members
At Ugbrooke there is an additional charge payable at the venue for the afternoon tour of £5.00 pp
Wednesday 12 October – Ugbrooke Park, Chudleigh, Devon TQ13 0AD
Tuesday 18 October – Chavenage House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8XP
Wednesday 19 October – Hamptworth Estate, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 2DR
We are continuing the tradition of holding our annual finance events at some wonderful settings in the West Country. This autumn you can join us for a morning of essential financial advice followed by a two course lunch of local produce and an exclusive guided tour of the venue with our hosts.
The seminars will look at the following topics:
• The latest ideas on minimising Inheritance Tax
• Planning for succession – what to consider
• Agricultural and Property Reliefs – an update
• How to hedge the single farm payment
• Tax efficient trading structures
• Effective management of pensions and investments
Following each seminar there will be a Q&A session with a panel of experts including representatives from CLA Tax Management Services, Roger Halle from CLA Independent Financial Planners, Tom Barclay from CLA Foreign Exchange Services and Will Richards from CLA Fine Art. In addition we will also hear from Jeremy Mitchell from CLA Insurance Services who will talk specifically about insuring estates, farms and diversified businesses.
Ugbrooke House
Ugbrooke House has been the home of the Cliffords since 1564 and is the present Clifford family’s private home. The nation’s history has sported Clifford names in war, politics and religion. The present house was re-modelled in the 1760’s by Robert Adam, the Chapel and Library Wing (where we will hold our seminar) are authentic and characteristic of Adam’s castle style.
Ugbrooke Park is a good example of the work of Capability Brown. The gardens include a box parterre planted over two hundred years ago, a secluded Spanish garden, unusual semi-tropical trees and shrubs and a lakeside walk to the waterslash.
The house contains fine furniture, paintings, beautiful needlework, porcelain and an extremely rare family military collection. Ugbrooke has appeared in television programmes such as David Starkey’s ‘Monachy’. The house has been beautifully restored by Lady Clifford and featured in many leading ‘interiors’ magazines.
Chavenage House
Originally built in 1383, there have been additions and renovations to the property over the centuries. Since Tudor times, only two families have owned Chavenage, the current owner David Lowsley-Williams having inherited the House from his uncle.
Chavenage has been used as a film/TV location on many occasions – an episode of Poirot was shot there, the comedy series ‘Grace & Favour’, an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty, and recently the house doubled as Sir Timothy Midwinter’s Manor House in ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’. It was seen in the BBC series Bone Kickers and Tess of the D’Urbervilles and featured in BBC3’s ‘For the Love of Barbara’.
We will tour this wonderful Elizabethan home and learn of the two families that have occupied the house since the reign of Elizabeth I together with the legends and stories including the ghosts!
Hamptworth Estate
Situated on the northern edge of the New Forest National Park, half way between Southampton and Salisbury on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border is the beautiful Hamptworth Estate. We will be hosted by Donald Anderson, whose family home it has been for just over 200 years. Hamptworth dates back many centuries and it is thought that the first house was built on the current site of Hamptworth Lodge in around 1620 AD.
The house underwent extensive alteration during the late Georgian and Victorian period and when the present owner's grandfather, Harold Moffatt inherited the estate in 1910, he pulled the house down and rebuilt it as he thought it might well have been in its original form.
The brickwork designs are particularly fine and a feature was made of drain pipes and guttering. Some of the leaded windows have diamond cut inscriptions. Internally, Moffat made much of the furniture himself and these pieces are an accurate copy of the Jacobean Style.
The Estate itself is made up of 3,000 acres of glorious parkland, gardens and woodland and it is forestry that supports the Estate today.
To book your place go to www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or call 01249 700200.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Pillars of Strength - CAP Reform Going Forward (Sponsored by Strutt & Parker)
Cost £10
The European Commission will announce its final proposals for a new direct payment, rural development and financing regulations in early October opening a consultation process likely to last until 2012.
The CLA has been one of only a few organisations fighting for a sufficiently well funded CAP – and the Agriculture Commissioner has listened to our argument that the CAP must be maintained on the grounds of food and environmental security. But a flurry of leaked documents has raised speculation about mandatory greening in pillar one, capping and the definitions of an active farmer.
There are further concerns over the issue of new entitlements and the specifics of mandatory greening.
All this is set against a backdrop of an EU budget which has already been drawn up – but the share of the CAP within the budget and how the CAP resources are to be redistributed between the Member States and between the two Pillars are areas of uncertainty which could have important implications for the UK.
But the fight on the CAP budget is not over yet and the negotiations that follow the publication of these proposals will be crucial. These proposals have now to be agreed with the European Council and the European Parliament and the questions of exactly what the CLA should be arguing for on behalf of our farmers and land managers needs to be resolved.
This is your chance to take part in that process and to hear Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell, the CLA’s expert on CAP, speak on the subject together with Simon Butcher, a farm business consultant from Strutt and Parker, at a series of events the CLA is organising across the South West region.
Registration & refreshments from 10.00am & 3.00pm
Wednesday 23 November 2011 10.30am – 12.30pm
Tunnell House Inn, Tarlton Road, Nr Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6PW
Wednesday 23 November 2011 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club, Netherhampton Road, Netherhampton
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8PR
Thursday 24 November 2011 10.30am – 12.30pm
The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset
TA19 9PT
Thursday 24 November 2011 3.30pm – 5.30pm
The Arundell Arms, Lifton, PL16 0AA
To book go to www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or telephone 01249 700200.
The European Commission will announce its final proposals for a new direct payment, rural development and financing regulations in early October opening a consultation process likely to last until 2012.
The CLA has been one of only a few organisations fighting for a sufficiently well funded CAP – and the Agriculture Commissioner has listened to our argument that the CAP must be maintained on the grounds of food and environmental security. But a flurry of leaked documents has raised speculation about mandatory greening in pillar one, capping and the definitions of an active farmer.
There are further concerns over the issue of new entitlements and the specifics of mandatory greening.
All this is set against a backdrop of an EU budget which has already been drawn up – but the share of the CAP within the budget and how the CAP resources are to be redistributed between the Member States and between the two Pillars are areas of uncertainty which could have important implications for the UK.
But the fight on the CAP budget is not over yet and the negotiations that follow the publication of these proposals will be crucial. These proposals have now to be agreed with the European Council and the European Parliament and the questions of exactly what the CLA should be arguing for on behalf of our farmers and land managers needs to be resolved.
This is your chance to take part in that process and to hear Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell, the CLA’s expert on CAP, speak on the subject together with Simon Butcher, a farm business consultant from Strutt and Parker, at a series of events the CLA is organising across the South West region.
Registration & refreshments from 10.00am & 3.00pm
Wednesday 23 November 2011 10.30am – 12.30pm
Tunnell House Inn, Tarlton Road, Nr Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6PW
Wednesday 23 November 2011 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club, Netherhampton Road, Netherhampton
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8PR
Thursday 24 November 2011 10.30am – 12.30pm
The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset
TA19 9PT
Thursday 24 November 2011 3.30pm – 5.30pm
The Arundell Arms, Lifton, PL16 0AA
To book go to www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or telephone 01249 700200.
Bringing Common Sense to Tree Management
Stock Gaylard Estate, Stock Gaylard, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2BG
Tuesday 15 November – 2pm – 5.30pm
Cost £15 CLA members; £25 non-members
The venue is CLA member Andrew Langmead’s Stock Gaylard Estate, a small traditional country estate situated between Sturminster Newton and Sherborne in Dorset. The estate is approximately 1700 acres with around 300 acres of predominantly oak woodland (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus Excelsior).
Stock Gaylard has a small timber yard supplying mainly home grown timbers off the estate and other locally sourced timbers. They have worked hard to understand the importance of trying to develop a sustainable timber industry within the UK and on the estate. They pride themselves in understanding the importance of cutting the timber the right way for the purpose it is intended for. They have a timber kiln for finishing off the drying process and a fully equipped wood workshop. Stock Gaylard’s timber has many uses including woodchip for their boiler, furniture, shingles and it is also used in the manufacture of their traditional Yurts.
The afternoon will kick off with a welcome and introduction to Stock Gaylard Estate and its various enterprises by owner Andrew Langmead.
Mike Seville, CLA National Forestry & Woodlands Advisor will then explain the benefits and the impact of the newly published guidance by the National Tree Safety Group "Bringing Common Sense to Tree Management".
This guidance on trees and public safety in the UK for owners, managers and advisers has been quite brave and is trying to redraw the legal landscape relating to tree safety and put it firmly in the context of real risk, other risks to which society is exposed and the benefits of trees. The CLA has been instrumental in driving this approach forward.
Garraint Richards, Duchy of Cornwall Woodlands will share his practical experience of woodland management along with his view on the current timber market. Followed by a tree disease update and forecast from the Forestry Commission. Closing with Graham Clark, CLA Regional Surveyor; explaining how members can benefit from the new Renewable Heat Incentive.
This event is not only aimed at large woodland owners and managers but also those responsible for smaller numbers of trees where members are concerned about how proactive they need to be in regards tree safety management in order to mitigate their liability to third parties.
To book your place go to www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or call 01249 700200
Tuesday 15 November – 2pm – 5.30pm
Cost £15 CLA members; £25 non-members
The venue is CLA member Andrew Langmead’s Stock Gaylard Estate, a small traditional country estate situated between Sturminster Newton and Sherborne in Dorset. The estate is approximately 1700 acres with around 300 acres of predominantly oak woodland (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus Excelsior).
Stock Gaylard has a small timber yard supplying mainly home grown timbers off the estate and other locally sourced timbers. They have worked hard to understand the importance of trying to develop a sustainable timber industry within the UK and on the estate. They pride themselves in understanding the importance of cutting the timber the right way for the purpose it is intended for. They have a timber kiln for finishing off the drying process and a fully equipped wood workshop. Stock Gaylard’s timber has many uses including woodchip for their boiler, furniture, shingles and it is also used in the manufacture of their traditional Yurts.
The afternoon will kick off with a welcome and introduction to Stock Gaylard Estate and its various enterprises by owner Andrew Langmead.
Mike Seville, CLA National Forestry & Woodlands Advisor will then explain the benefits and the impact of the newly published guidance by the National Tree Safety Group "Bringing Common Sense to Tree Management".
This guidance on trees and public safety in the UK for owners, managers and advisers has been quite brave and is trying to redraw the legal landscape relating to tree safety and put it firmly in the context of real risk, other risks to which society is exposed and the benefits of trees. The CLA has been instrumental in driving this approach forward.
Garraint Richards, Duchy of Cornwall Woodlands will share his practical experience of woodland management along with his view on the current timber market. Followed by a tree disease update and forecast from the Forestry Commission. Closing with Graham Clark, CLA Regional Surveyor; explaining how members can benefit from the new Renewable Heat Incentive.
This event is not only aimed at large woodland owners and managers but also those responsible for smaller numbers of trees where members are concerned about how proactive they need to be in regards tree safety management in order to mitigate their liability to third parties.
To book your place go to www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or call 01249 700200
Thursday, May 26, 2011
CLA to Host High Powered Debates at Royal Cornwall Show
Farms Minister, Jim Paice, will deliver a keynote speech on the challenges and opportunities facing the food and farming sector in rural Cornwall on the first day of next month’s Royal Cornwall Show, at Wadebridge.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food will speak at the Country Land and Business Association’s Breakfast Debate on the first morning of the show, Thursday 9 June.
The event, which is sponsored by Stephens Scown, has traditionally attracted a large audience and CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, says they will want to hear what the Government’s plans are for rural planning and housing, economic development and the management of animal disease.
“Clearly our members will want to hear the Minister’s attitude towards Bovine TB. He has been a staunch ally for the farming industry and I am sure the Cornish farming community will want to hear that the Government remains resolute in its determination to tackle this disease.
“But there are other, wider, issues relating to the food sector – such as the Food Standards Agency’s plans to shift the whole burden of inspection costs onto food producers, which would be catastrophic for small abattoirs. Then there is the whole issue of how we set about achieving security in our food supply chain without creating further environmental damage and how we are going to address the issue of food waste and the potential to create energy from it. There’s a big agenda facing land managers and we’re grateful that the Minister has accepted our invitation to come and talk about his vision of the future,” said Mr Mortimer.
On the second day of the show (Friday 10 June) The CLA will be hosting an “Any Questions” style breakfast with a top team of panellists chaired by the CLA’s national President William Worsley.
The team includes the chairman of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Chris Pomfret; South West MEP Julia Girling; Richard Macdonald, the former Director General of the NFU who is now the man responsible for recommending red tape reforms in the farming industry, Alan Qualtrough, the Editor of the Western Morning News, Simon Gregory a partner with Foot Anstey and Brian Harvey from Winter Rule’s rural services team.
“A unitary authority, superfast broadband, new opportunities in renewable energy, the localism agenda and a brand new Local Economic Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – all of this promises new and exciting change but it will it bring real changes to the local economy, better paid jobs and affordable houses? We shall be tasking our panel to answer questions on what the real barriers to growth are for Cornwall’s rural economy, “said Mr. Mortimer.
It was, he said, a format which had proved hugely successful over the last few years and offered show visitors a chance to join in a fast moving and intelligent discussion about the issues which concern those who live in, work in and manage rural Cornwall.
Entry to the breakfast debate is by ticket only but these can be reserved by contacting the CLA on 01249 700200.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food will speak at the Country Land and Business Association’s Breakfast Debate on the first morning of the show, Thursday 9 June.
The event, which is sponsored by Stephens Scown, has traditionally attracted a large audience and CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, says they will want to hear what the Government’s plans are for rural planning and housing, economic development and the management of animal disease.
“Clearly our members will want to hear the Minister’s attitude towards Bovine TB. He has been a staunch ally for the farming industry and I am sure the Cornish farming community will want to hear that the Government remains resolute in its determination to tackle this disease.
“But there are other, wider, issues relating to the food sector – such as the Food Standards Agency’s plans to shift the whole burden of inspection costs onto food producers, which would be catastrophic for small abattoirs. Then there is the whole issue of how we set about achieving security in our food supply chain without creating further environmental damage and how we are going to address the issue of food waste and the potential to create energy from it. There’s a big agenda facing land managers and we’re grateful that the Minister has accepted our invitation to come and talk about his vision of the future,” said Mr Mortimer.
On the second day of the show (Friday 10 June) The CLA will be hosting an “Any Questions” style breakfast with a top team of panellists chaired by the CLA’s national President William Worsley.
The team includes the chairman of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Chris Pomfret; South West MEP Julia Girling; Richard Macdonald, the former Director General of the NFU who is now the man responsible for recommending red tape reforms in the farming industry, Alan Qualtrough, the Editor of the Western Morning News, Simon Gregory a partner with Foot Anstey and Brian Harvey from Winter Rule’s rural services team.
“A unitary authority, superfast broadband, new opportunities in renewable energy, the localism agenda and a brand new Local Economic Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – all of this promises new and exciting change but it will it bring real changes to the local economy, better paid jobs and affordable houses? We shall be tasking our panel to answer questions on what the real barriers to growth are for Cornwall’s rural economy, “said Mr. Mortimer.
It was, he said, a format which had proved hugely successful over the last few years and offered show visitors a chance to join in a fast moving and intelligent discussion about the issues which concern those who live in, work in and manage rural Cornwall.
Entry to the breakfast debate is by ticket only but these can be reserved by contacting the CLA on 01249 700200.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Defra review fails to recognise the Uplands are a Special Case
Defra’s Upland Policy Review published today (10 March) fails to recognise that the South West Uplands are unique and deserve special help – according to rural champions, the CLA.
CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the report was fundamentally flawed in its assumption that hill farming could become economically viable in its own right.
“The Government’s ongoing support for the Uplands Entry Level Scheme is, of course, very welcome - but we do not see it as a long term solution to the economic hardship being seen in the hills.”
The Association said although it welcomed the pledge to establish a new rural Community Broadband Fund, the Government’s failure to differentiate between the Uplands and other parts of rural England was a mistake.
The CLA and the Commission for Rural Communities had called for a Defra Minister to be given direct responsibility for the Uplands to ensure policies were ‘Uplands proofed’ across Government. The CLA had also called for an independent group to monitor progress on Uplands policy delivery.
“Neither suggestion has been accepted in the review. The South West Uplands provide clean water, renewable energy, carbon capture, food and a wonderful variety of wildlife and landscapes so vital to our tourist industry but this report has failed to recognise that the Uplands are different from other rural areas and need specific and targeted support.”
I
Mr Mortimer said that Defra had also chosen to ignore the joint request from the CLA and the CRC for national parks to have an explicit economic role, and had failed to support recommendations that planning policy should be eased to allow diversification in upland areas, and that retirement homes should be allowed on Uplands farms.
“The proposed Community Broadband Fund is certainly good news for the Uplands but it is vital the £20 million allocation is used wisely.
“Our advice is that the Government should use the money where demand can be proven and establish a series of grants for rural communities. Some of the money should also be used to create an effective toolkit to fully explain to people the benefits broadband will bring to the rural economy.”
CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the report was fundamentally flawed in its assumption that hill farming could become economically viable in its own right.
“The Government’s ongoing support for the Uplands Entry Level Scheme is, of course, very welcome - but we do not see it as a long term solution to the economic hardship being seen in the hills.”
The Association said although it welcomed the pledge to establish a new rural Community Broadband Fund, the Government’s failure to differentiate between the Uplands and other parts of rural England was a mistake.
The CLA and the Commission for Rural Communities had called for a Defra Minister to be given direct responsibility for the Uplands to ensure policies were ‘Uplands proofed’ across Government. The CLA had also called for an independent group to monitor progress on Uplands policy delivery.
“Neither suggestion has been accepted in the review. The South West Uplands provide clean water, renewable energy, carbon capture, food and a wonderful variety of wildlife and landscapes so vital to our tourist industry but this report has failed to recognise that the Uplands are different from other rural areas and need specific and targeted support.”
I
Mr Mortimer said that Defra had also chosen to ignore the joint request from the CLA and the CRC for national parks to have an explicit economic role, and had failed to support recommendations that planning policy should be eased to allow diversification in upland areas, and that retirement homes should be allowed on Uplands farms.
“The proposed Community Broadband Fund is certainly good news for the Uplands but it is vital the £20 million allocation is used wisely.
“Our advice is that the Government should use the money where demand can be proven and establish a series of grants for rural communities. Some of the money should also be used to create an effective toolkit to fully explain to people the benefits broadband will bring to the rural economy.”
Job Vacancy
The CLA is a pro-active and forward thinking membership based organisation, committed to the positive development of the rural economy.
We have an opportunity for a high calibre individual with commitment and enthusiasm to recruit and retain members to the Association in south east Devon, southern Somerset & western Dorset.
The Field Officer role allows flexible working hours, including the possibility of working part time. The package includes excellent earning opportunities, training and continuing support. Working from home, the successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of rural life and knowledge of the territory, previous relevant sales experience and ideally live within the territory. They will be computer literate including a good knowledge of Microsoft Office and have access to e-mail. Use of a car and a full valid UK driving licence is essential.
For more information or to apply please email a cover letter and CV to:- lucy.wright@cla.org.uk to arrive no later than Monday 28 March. For information about the CLA visit our website at www.cla.org.uk
We have an opportunity for a high calibre individual with commitment and enthusiasm to recruit and retain members to the Association in south east Devon, southern Somerset & western Dorset.
The Field Officer role allows flexible working hours, including the possibility of working part time. The package includes excellent earning opportunities, training and continuing support. Working from home, the successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of rural life and knowledge of the territory, previous relevant sales experience and ideally live within the territory. They will be computer literate including a good knowledge of Microsoft Office and have access to e-mail. Use of a car and a full valid UK driving licence is essential.
For more information or to apply please email a cover letter and CV to:- lucy.wright@cla.org.uk to arrive no later than Monday 28 March. For information about the CLA visit our website at www.cla.org.uk
Thursday, March 3, 2011
CLA says it’s Time to Face the Future
CLA President, William Worsley, has today (Thursday 3 March) told landowners from across England and Wales that the farming industry will need to restructure to satisfy a world that demands more food of high quality and low price.
In a wide-ranging speech which covered farming, land management and the rural economy, Mr Worsley promised that the CLA would be brave enough to:” think the unthinkable, to grasp the nettle of difficult issues and continue to provide the long-term thought-leadership the industry and the public demanded.
“There is no sense in pretending farming will remain the same, it won’t - but we must not be afraid of change, we need to think far into the future, to prepare our members for what is around the corner, to make the coming decades brighter so that rural businesses can continue to survive and thrive.
Speaking at the CLA’s spring council meeting in London, Mr Worsley said that without a Common Agricultural Policy, farming as we know it would not exist.
“It is essential that we keep the CAP but we need to do so in a way that is acceptable to Society as a whole.”
The CLA, he said had relentlessly pursued the concept of “Food and Environmental Security” so that the CAP could help maintain the capacity to produce food while at the same time protecting and sustaining the natural environment.
“That means farmers need to be paid for producing food and for helping the environment,” he said.
Agri-environment schemes were, he said, key to environmental policy in England and Wales - providing the basic tools with which land managers achieve environmental goals.
“Generations of rural land managers have taken responsibility for the stewardship of the landscapes and habitats we all want to safeguard. The huge recreation and tourism industry their land supports bears witness to its beauty and popularity. The public wants to experience lovely landscapes and vibrant wildlife, pure water and clean air, but it all comes at a price. Those who manage the countryside must be properly rewarded for all they do.”
The CLA President promised that the CLA would continue to press the Government to go ahead with the proposals for a badger cull to start to tackle the “horrendous problem” of Bovine TB and also talked about the challenges of lobbying the Coalition Government, taxation issues, forestry, the Uplands, water, the crazy cost of coastal access and the need to modernise the public rights of way network. He said that, done well, the Localism Bill could boost much-needed entrepreneurship in the countryside but added that there were aspects of the Bill which horrified him.
Mr Worsley said the emergency review of the Feed-in Tariff to encourage more farm-based Anaerobic Digestion was a welcome response to CLA lobbying - but he warned that the Government had, at the same time, damaged investment in solar PV by fast-tracking a review of proposals for installations of over 50 kilowat.
In response to a question from the CLA South West representatives Mr Worlsey said the CLA would be pushing the Government very hard to maintain the currently agreed level of Feed-in Tariffs for solar energy.
He also called for reforms to the planning system which he said, was “too complicated and too expensive” and added that it was vital that rural businesses were served by a planning system that was fully effective.
“It is in our interest, and the interest of the nation, that rural business prospers. For this, we need the right policies – policies that are well considered, sensible and avoid excessive regulation” he said.
Notes To Newsdesks
A full copy of William Worsley’s speech to the CLA Councilcan be downloaded from the CLA website at: www.cla.org.uk
In a wide-ranging speech which covered farming, land management and the rural economy, Mr Worsley promised that the CLA would be brave enough to:” think the unthinkable, to grasp the nettle of difficult issues and continue to provide the long-term thought-leadership the industry and the public demanded.
“There is no sense in pretending farming will remain the same, it won’t - but we must not be afraid of change, we need to think far into the future, to prepare our members for what is around the corner, to make the coming decades brighter so that rural businesses can continue to survive and thrive.
Speaking at the CLA’s spring council meeting in London, Mr Worsley said that without a Common Agricultural Policy, farming as we know it would not exist.
“It is essential that we keep the CAP but we need to do so in a way that is acceptable to Society as a whole.”
The CLA, he said had relentlessly pursued the concept of “Food and Environmental Security” so that the CAP could help maintain the capacity to produce food while at the same time protecting and sustaining the natural environment.
“That means farmers need to be paid for producing food and for helping the environment,” he said.
Agri-environment schemes were, he said, key to environmental policy in England and Wales - providing the basic tools with which land managers achieve environmental goals.
“Generations of rural land managers have taken responsibility for the stewardship of the landscapes and habitats we all want to safeguard. The huge recreation and tourism industry their land supports bears witness to its beauty and popularity. The public wants to experience lovely landscapes and vibrant wildlife, pure water and clean air, but it all comes at a price. Those who manage the countryside must be properly rewarded for all they do.”
The CLA President promised that the CLA would continue to press the Government to go ahead with the proposals for a badger cull to start to tackle the “horrendous problem” of Bovine TB and also talked about the challenges of lobbying the Coalition Government, taxation issues, forestry, the Uplands, water, the crazy cost of coastal access and the need to modernise the public rights of way network. He said that, done well, the Localism Bill could boost much-needed entrepreneurship in the countryside but added that there were aspects of the Bill which horrified him.
Mr Worsley said the emergency review of the Feed-in Tariff to encourage more farm-based Anaerobic Digestion was a welcome response to CLA lobbying - but he warned that the Government had, at the same time, damaged investment in solar PV by fast-tracking a review of proposals for installations of over 50 kilowat.
In response to a question from the CLA South West representatives Mr Worlsey said the CLA would be pushing the Government very hard to maintain the currently agreed level of Feed-in Tariffs for solar energy.
He also called for reforms to the planning system which he said, was “too complicated and too expensive” and added that it was vital that rural businesses were served by a planning system that was fully effective.
“It is in our interest, and the interest of the nation, that rural business prospers. For this, we need the right policies – policies that are well considered, sensible and avoid excessive regulation” he said.
Notes To Newsdesks
A full copy of William Worsley’s speech to the CLA Councilcan be downloaded from the CLA website at: www.cla.org.uk
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