MP sets up farmer forum

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, has set up regular Farmer Forum meetings after being informed of the importance of food production and countryside custodianship at an NFU branch meeting held during the run up to the election.

His first Farmer Forum meeting will take place on Thursday 16 September at 7.30pm for 8pm in Macclesfield Conservative Club.

NFU Macclesfield group secretary, Keith Brightmore, has kept in regular contact with Mr Rutley since he was elected back in May.

Keith said: "This is planned as an opportunity for Mr Rutley to tell us what progress is being made on rural and agricultural issues at a national level at Westminster and is also a chance for NFU members to raise issues of local importance as well."

Mr Rutley added: "In the Macclesfield area we are heavily reliant on our farmers to be the custodians of our beautiful countryside. I am also acutely aware that in our changing world we are looking more and more at our farmers to produce food for an increasing population.

"For those reasons, I feel it’s imperative I hold regular meetings with farmers.

I will listen to the key issues and concerns of Macclefield farmers and take them back with me to Westminster where I will pass those thoughts onto the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman MP, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice MP.

"I plan to hold these meetings every six months and hope for a good turnout at the event on September 16."