Shropshire farmer Simon Scott has been elected chairman of the Shropshire branch of the CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses in the county.
As well as managing the family business at Harnage Grange, near Shrewsbury, Simon also contract farms for Lord Bradford at Weston under Lizard, producing arable crops and potatoes.
Speaking about his appointment, Simon said: “Farming, and the concerns that I have as a working farmer, are very much at the top of the CLA’s agenda. Items such as CAP reform, the active farmer test, bovine TB, badger culls, the Endocrine Disruptors consultation, deregulation of farm visits and inspections, Countryside Stewardship Schemes are all topical matters that have kept the CLA very busy lobbying and working with Government to make sure that Shropshire’s voice is heard in Westminster and Brussels.”
The range of issues that the CLA fight on a daily basis affect everyone who lives or works in the countryside, and include rural broadband, HS2 and compulsory purchase, shale gas, lead shot regulations, taxation, housing and private sector rented accommodation, woodland and wild boar.
According to Simon, this “makes you realise just how important the CLA is for its members. And even if you do not get directly involved in the organisation, being a member is vital to keeping the CLA at the forefront, representing all our interests.”
“In Shropshire, our Committee meets three times a year with members who represent a true cross-section of rural businesses. At each meeting we discuss matters that concern us, identifying issues that I can take to the relevant National Committee in London for action.
“We are always looking for new and younger members to join our Committee so please do get in touch if you would like to be involved. Being a member of the CLA has never been more important - farming and the countryside needs a strong voice to stand up to predominately urban politicians.”
