Rural group releases manifesto calling for new policies to be 'fully rural proofed'
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has published its ‘Election Asks’ highlighting the need for future government policy to be 'fully rural proofed'.
Focusing on the most pertinent issues currently affecting rural areas, ACRE’s General Election Asks 2017 calls for a suite of rural, social and economic measures, to address the question of how European investment will be replaced or replicated following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU.
The paper also sets out 10 rural policy solutions for the new government.
The document calls on the government to ensure the best deal possible is on offer for England’s rural communities.
ACRE says the decision to leave the EU provides 'new opportunities to develop a more resilient future' post Brexit.
In particular, the network urges the creation of a suite of Rural, Social and Economic Development measures based upon building growth in rural businesses as part of future industrial policy, with a new community-owned approach to local investment in rural enterprise.
This would replicate key EU funded investment programmes such as the LEADER programme, EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and certain aspects of the ERDF (European Rural Development Fund), which have provided capacity to grow rural businesses.
'Flourish and thrive'
Richard Quallington, ACRE CEO commented: “There are many examples of the positive action taken by government to support rural England in recent years, but further work is needed to ensure that all rural communities flourish and thrive.
“We welcome the news that the unique challenges facing rural areas have been reflected in party manifestos, however we still believe that the provision of appropriate support and investment must continue to be at the heart of any future government policy.
“For over 90 years our 38 ACRE Network members have supported rural residents, community groups, charities and business to adjust and adapt to the challenges they have faced.
“And today we continue to help rural communities to address need by providing practical support, by spreading good practice and by celebrating the many wonderful things achieved by enterprising residents who live in some of England’s smallest and most isolated communities.”
Other farming manifestos
In the Conservative manifesto, they pledge to bring 'sustainable growth' to farming communities, create a new agri-environment scheme and introduce mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses.
Labour has also launched their manifesto. The manifesto pledges an end to the badger cull, a ban on neonicotinoids and the promotion of ‘cruelty free farming’.
The Liberal Democrats has unveiled their manifesto, saying that UK farming will be in 'huge danger' of leaving EU. They propose a second referendum.
Welsh political party Plaid Cymru has also released their manifesto, calling for a Brexit deal which best represents Welsh agriculture.
Ukip's manifesto has called for the UK to create a Single Farm Payment (SFP) as a replacement for the CAP.
The SNP are pledging to 'protect' the Scottish agri-food industry by fighting to stay as a member of the EU's single market.
Numerous rural organisations have released their own manifestos, including the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, the CLA, the Soil Association, the Tenant Farmers' Association, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the British Veterinary Association, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the Ulster Farmers' Union, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and the Countryside Alliance.
