Politics and the Countryside: CLA Manifesto spells out rural priorities

The CLA in the North is taking every opportunity during the party conference season to remind all politicians that, to capture the rural vote, they must have an effective and relevant rural policy.

The rural economy experts’ Manifesto for the Countryside is a call to action for all those who hope to form the next Government.

The clear message of the Manifesto is that producing food is, and must remain the first function of the countryside. The CLA highlights how the Common Agricultural Policy should be shaped after 2013, and cover rural affairs under the three headings of ’Enabling Rural Business’; ’Caring for the Countryside’; and ’Enjoying The Countryside’, reflecting the key elements of the CLA’s vision for Food and Environmental Security.

Director CLA North, Douglas Chalmers, says: "Our Manifesto is a must-read for every politician. Many rural seats could change MPs this time, and all candidates need to be aware of their constituents’ issues. Those in non-rural seats should also be aware that every voter in Britain will benefit from an economically productive and environmentally sound countryside.

"Quite simply, whether producing food or energy, supplying water, protecting the environment or providing leisure opportunities, only farmers, landowners and rural businesses can enable Government to deliver its rural policies."

"Equally the Government’s role is vital. The countryside suffers from market failure in its provision of public goods, and more must be done to reward land managers for the environment and ecological services they provide.

"Environmental and social stability flows from economic stability and the next government must also focus on ways and means of reducing the barriers to rural business development and allow rural Britain to realise its full potential"