“Sustaining Hampshire’s Rural Economy”Conference

On 10 March 2005, Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) is hosting a conference with a theme of “Sustaining Hampshire’s Rural Economy”, at The Ark Conference Centre, Basingstoke.

John Gummer MP is the keynote speaker and will provide delegates with a national perspective of rural sustainability.

The aim of the conference is to provide delegates with a fuller picture of the potential for rural sustainability. During the course of the morning the NFU will discuss the future challenges facing farming in Hampshire and Hampshire County Council will provide an update on current initiatives, including the Market Towns programme and the promotion of local produce. In addition, CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) will explain how farmers and related businesses can best integrate their commercial activities to maximise sustainability and environmental protection.

The afternoon is being handed over to a farm visit where delegates will see a sustainable rural venture in action at The Manydown Company, based on the outskirts of Basingstoke. Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges of farming on the urban fringe as well as hearing presentations on the importance of effective soil management and the impact of the Water Framework Directive.