Farming talk: Make sure farming is on candidates' agenda
In case you haven't noticed, we are facing a general election on Thursday, May 7, writes Caroline Bedell.
As the nation prepares itself for blanket media coverage it will be all too easy to switch off and let everything happen around you.
But, especially in rural areas like Shropshire, it is important to get involved, and cast your vote for the candidate who has best convinced you that they understand the issues that matter and is prepared to represent your interests if elected. After all, you will probably have to rely on them for the next five years.
The next Government will need a proactive approach with the countryside at its heart to provide affordable housing, embrace new technologies, deliver fair rewards for farmers and recognise the importance of rural-based businesses. If politicians get it right, they will help rural areas prosper to the benefit of the nation .
Rural issues are no longer the preserve of rural politicians. They are being absorbed into mainstream policies as all parties come to realise that basic necessities – such as food, water, shelter and energy – rely on the resources owned and managed by farmers and landowners.
As long as we have a profitable agricultural industry, our local economy will benefit across the board, leading to jobs and investment into other industries such as tourism, IT and the whole supply chain. As important as it is for candidates to understand the value of farming they also have to realise that the countryside is also about families, communities and has specific challenges, not least inadequate public transport links, poor mobile coverage and frankly unacceptable broadband access – services that urban areas take for granted.
These manifestos are an extremely powerful lobbying tool – our own has no less than 76 recommendations in the areas of property and ownership; landscape and farming; environment and natural resources; business and technology.
But a manifesto is no replacement for the personal views of the Shropshire farmer, who can provide good evidence at a local level and, critically, has a vote. You know what matters to you and your family, so seize every opportunity you can to make your prospective parliamentary candidates aware.
Doing so will help ensure that rural Shropshire is not disadvantaged by predominantly urban-based legislation.
* Caroline Bedell is director Midlands of CLA Midlands
