CLA Boosts North East Team

The CLA has appointed Helen Renner as a specialist agricultural Field Officer for Northumberland, dealing with an increasing number of membership enquiries from the farming community during uncertain times.

Helen and husband John, who farm at Belford, Northumberland, were finalists in last year"e;s Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year competition, and strongly believe that educating the public about food and farming is crucial to the future of the industry. Their farm is a LEAF demonstration farm and the Renner"e;s philosophy complements the CLA"e;s own "Just Ask Campaign", which aims to encourage the public to ask where the food on their plate comes from.

Helen said: "Public education is one area we"e;re passionate about and it now represents a significant part of what we do. It does take a lot of time, but its rewarding to see people leave here with a better understanding of where their food comes from and how it gets to their plates. I"e;m happy to encourage the public to "Just Ask" because we have the answers.

"However farms must also operate profitably. With so may outside influences affecting the industry, I am delighted to join the CLA"e;s North East team as more and more farmers turn to us for advice and support."

The appointment comes in a period of increased activity for the CLA as Members take increasing advantage of the organisation"e;s professional advisory services and rely on the CLA"e;s lobbyists to give the rural North East a voice in the corridors of power in the Region, Westminster and Brussels.

Angus Collingwood-Cameron, CLA North East Director added: "Helen"e;s appointment is a real coup for us, and gives us even greater strength exactly where it"e;s needed at a crucial time. She will be working alongside Richard Renwick in Northumberland and is a great addition to the CLA team, dedicated to serving the North East."