Shropshire Star

Standing together to make our voice heard

I started last month as chartered surveyor and adviser, helping farmers explore new opportunities, access funding, deal with the RPA and understand their wider rights and responsibilities.

Published

Now, in my first column for the Star and in my new capacity as director for the CLA Midlands region, I have to ask myself why I left a relative comfort zone to take on a challenge in what are without doubt politically and economically uncertain times – made even worse by current weather patterns.

My predecessor Caroline Bedell is well known to you, not least through this column, so how do I possibly carry on the ceaseless work she undertook on behalf of the whole rural community?

I was born in Shropshire, graduated from Harper Adams University and have been immersed in the countryside – and all that entails – my whole life.

It’s not just my belief that a healthy rural economy depends on a healthy agricultural sector, it’s a given. That’s why I take it personally when people outside farming try to impose their own agenda on the industry and generally interfere. Our farmers deserve better than this, and I am lucky to be able to call on the CLA’s 110 years of experience and influence to support you.

Farmers have always mixed and met at marts and shows, but outside these events have often little time to mingle socially. That’s where membership and trade organisations can be invaluable, and the agricultural sector is fortunate to have access to a range of support, whether technology specific, local, regional or sector wide.

I might be biased, but I genuinely believe that joining an organisation or two that suits your needs is an essential investment, especially in these unpredictable times.

Membership organisations provide expected advice and support on a range of issues. But most offer far more than the obvious benefits, and often we’ll work together to apply maximum wherever and when it’s most needed.

The corridors of power are home from home for our political lobbyists. We attend meetings so you don’t have to, and we also arrange convenient local events so we know what you expect of us – and believe me, farmers make their expectations very clear!

Whenever we get farmers in the same room, there is a buzz. Despite short term doom and gloom, farmers plan in the long term, in seasons and generations, and they are frequently the most entrepreneurial business people I could hope to meet.

It gives us all hope. Membership organisations can be the glue that holds it all together, a forum for forward thinking and practical discussion, and your voice in Westminster or Brussels, but without your input and occasional participation we are nothing.

Whichever organisation you belong to, make sure you make the most of your membership and talk to us. You might be surprised how we can help you.

Mark Riches is Director, CLA Midlands