CLA President William Worsley today (22 December) issued his Christmas message - and looked at the challenges of the year ahead.
Mr Worsley said: "2011 promises to be a significant year for the countryside and the rural economy.
"This will be the year in which most of the big decisions on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are made. We need a policy that will promote and protect our ability, over the long term, to produce sufficient food. However, this must not be at the expense of the environment and we may need to find new ways of farming and creating incentives for farmers to provide more positive land management. It is essential that our own Government recognises the importance of engaging with the mainstream EU debate and arguing for sufficient funding to pay for what is needed.
"In the meantime, it is vital that farmers and land managers get involved with the Campaign for the Farmed Environment to stave off the threat of further Government regulation, which despite the change of Government has not gone away. Farmers must start putting words into action by adopting the Campaign voluntary measures on land not under agri-environment schemes and by adopting ELS target options in their new agreements.
"2011 will also see a shift from regional Government to a more decentralised structure with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) being abolished and replaced by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). These new bodies are intended to provide the strategic economic lead for their areas. It is essential rural businesses get involved and that the new structure is capable of recognising their concerns.
"The New Year will also bring major reforms to the planning system. It is good news the Government has recognised the importance of the issue, but they need to get it right. We need a system that is flexible, transparent and efficient - not a charter for the ’Nimby’.
"Finally, while broadband and mobile phone coverage in rural areas has got better in the last year, it is still not good enough. The Government should introduce a Universal Service Obligation requiring broadband service providers to supply speeds of two megabits per second to every door by 2015. OFCOM and the mobile phone service operators should do more to ensure full coverage in rural areas.
"Together we can make 2011 a great year for land management, farming and the environment. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!"