East Midlands’ farmers will be amongst the first to hear the views of the region’s Euro Election candidates as the political parties’ campaigns swing into action, next week.
Candidates from the main parties will speak at a Euro Elections hustings event on Wednesday 13 May at Greetham Valley Golf and Conference Centre, near Oakham, Rutland at 2pm.
"European politics, and especially the European Parliament are now so much more important and pertinent to our daily lives," comments NFU’s regional director, Richard Hezlet. "We wanted farmers to have the opportunity of quizzing the main parties on their views on the future for food production and the countryside as seen from Brussels and Strasbourg. Often it seems that policies become regulation with little consultation or practical thought as to their implications: recent changes to pesticides regulations are a good example of Euro politicians’ influence over everyday farming practices – something that was unheard of twenty or even ten years ago."
Candidates, including current MEPs Roger Helmer (Conservative), Derek Clark (UKIP) and Bill Newton Dunn (Lib Dem) will be joined by J David Morgan, Labour, William Winter of Libertas and Barney Smith from the Green Party to explain their parties’ policies on such diverse issues as GMOs, the future of the CAP, food policy and bioenergy.
NFU has produced its own manifesto for the European Elections, which take place on 4 June, entitled "World Class Policies for World Class Farming".
Richard Hezlet continues: "The NFU manifesto emphasises the role of productive agriculture, protecting the environment, the need for more research and development and increased action on supply chain issues. On Wednesday, we want the candidates to hear at first hand how they can help shape future policies to ensure a sustainable and productive farming industry. In return, our members will want to know that the candidates understand the importance of the farming and food industries to the region, in both economic and environmental terms."
