Alliance visits Essex Young Farmers

This week, the Countryside Alliance had the privilege of speaking to the Essex Young Farmers at their centre in Little Waltham.

Getting out on the road is always an immense privilege and a vital part of Alliance outreach. Our conversation covered a wide range of issues facing the countryside and members had a number of questions about the future political landscape and what a change of government might mean for those who live and work in the countryside.

A large part of the discussion focused on what the Alliance has been doing to counter the rise of the compulsory plant-based movement, specifically those groups who are actively trying to have meat and dairy banned at schools, universities and at local councils. Through co-ordination with student groups, we have been able to help see off a number of threats already and we are a leading a national campaign to see councils reject compulsory veganism in favour of implementing pro-farming policies. Only this week, Wiltshire became the seventh council to support the campaign after they voted through a motion which will see it supply locally sourced produce, including meat and dairy, at its events while also using its huge platform to encourage the public to buy locally, supporting farmers and local food producers.

With recent farming demonstrations sweeping across Europe, questions were asked about whether Britain’s farmers would follow. Eyes are very much on Wales, where farmers there have already held a number of protests in opposition to the Welsh Labour Government’s rural policies. Opposition largely centres over planned changes to farming subsidies. To qualify for support, farmers will have to commit to planting 10% of their land with trees and earmark another 10% as wildlife habitat, which has raised serious concerns about food security.

The Essex Young Farmers, like YF groups across the country, are dedicated to young people who have a love for agriculture and rural life. We offer them our huge thanks not only for extending an invitation for us to address members, but for all they are doing to spread awareness of our rural way of life and protect it for future generations. It is more important than ever for young people to be a part of the conversation. For this reason, the Countryside Alliance offers youth membership rates, offering comprehensive insurance, access to members-only events, and regular delivery of My Countryside magazine, at only £2.50 per month for those under 21 and £3.92 per month for those under 25.

If you would like to organise a Countryside Alliance speaker to attend a meeting of your county wide branch of the Young Farmers, please contact: sabina-roberts@countryside-alliance.org