Widespread reforms needed for EU agriculture, says CLA

The CLA today set out its vision for agricultural reform in Europe through its manifesto for the European Parliament elections.

In Enabling the Countryside to Thrive, the organisation is making practical recommendations to improve the rural economy ahead of the elections on 22 May

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “From the economy, to the food we eat, to the environment we live in, the EU affects us all. Our manifesto calls for widespread reform to enable the UK countryside to thrive.

“Rural businesses matter. They provide jobs and generate income. However, poor infrastructure and technology is a major frustration that undermines their growth.

“MEPs need to recognise the specific needs of these businesses so that issues such as poor broadband do not stifle the rural economy.”

He added: “The world’s population is increasing by 75 million a year creating an ever increasing need for food. If this need is to be satisfied, MEPs must take a less risk-averse approach to exploring new technologies and biotechnologies.

“With 60 percent of people now living in urban areas, the cost of public services such as the protection of landscape and heritage provided by landowners and land managers in the countryside is often undervalued.

“The newly elected European Parliament must recognise that, through biodiversity offsetting, land managers can get the support they needed to deliver a better environment so we can have the wildlife and habitats we all want.”