NFU to host Brexit breakfast meetings to gauge policy priorities
Robert Sheasby, NFU East Anglia - Credit: Submitted
A series of Brexit breakfast meetings will be held across East Anglia to give farmers the chance to help shape the future of Britain's agricultural policy.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is developing an options paper covering crucial areas such as trade, access to labour, financial support and regulation. At the meetings, NFU advisers will update members on the paper's draft findings and collate views to feed back as the final report is prepared.
NFU East Anglia regional director Robert Sheasby said: 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for farmers to be part of deciding the future of British farming. We need as many members as possible to be involved.
'This consultation is taking place during the busiest period in the farming calendar but it's vital that farmers across East Anglia take this chance to have their say. We've organised a series of breakfast meetings so farmers can be back on the farm and, weather permitting, back on the combine by mid-morning.'
Five larger member meetings are also being organised in the region for September, to gain additional views before the finished document goes to NFU Council for approval on October 11.
NFU president Meurig Raymond said: 'We will consult our members, in every sector, in every county, to ensure that they have a say in shaping the future of farming for them, their children and their grandchildren.
'The contribution of this country's farming and food industry to the economy, and to food security, should be taken extremely seriously by the UK government. We need a policy that ensures a profitable, productive and sustainable future for British farming. The NFU's influence, with the backing of its membership, is paramount in this.'
Most Read
- 1 Woman in her 50s who died in A11 crash named locally
- 2 Train travellers set for another weekend of rail disruption
- 3 Woman in her 20s dies in A47 crash
- 4 North Norfolk pub re-opens as a hotel
- 5 The school where boys can wear skirts - but not shorts
- 6 Mum trying to find lost 'heart' of daughter who died days after birthday
- 7 Woman in serious condition in hospital after crash between two cars and van
- 8 Roads closed as armed police and dog units swoop on Norwich home
- 9 North Norfolk glamping site named among best in the UK
- 10 Abnormal load to travel through county on first day of Norfolk Show
The list of August meetings includes:
August 2:
• March Golf Club, March, Cambs.
• The Hunny Bell, Hunworth, near Holt.
August 3:
• Easton and Otley College, Norwich.
• Halesworth Golf Club, Halesworth.
August 4:
• The Kings Arms, Swaffham.
• Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket.
August 5:
• NFU Regional Office, Newmarket.
The meetings are for NFU members only, and booking is essential. Call 01638 672100 or email meetingsea@nfu.org.uk.
