Farmers have their say (From Warrington Guardian)

Farmers have their say

LOCAL farmers and constituents gathered in force to air their views over current countryside crises.

More than 100 people attended the debate at which Tim Yeo, shadow minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Eddisbury MP Alastair Goodlad were special guests.

The meeting was organised by Eddisbury Conservative Association and took place last Thursday evening, January 14, at the Swan Hotel, in Tarporley.

It was part of a national 'Listening to Britain' programme, announced by shadow leader William Hague last year, designed to develop policies which are in touch with the people.

Farmer John Beckett, Country Landowners committee member and chairman of GENUS, outlined the problems currently being faced in the countryside.

And John Posnett, also a farmer and businessman, who chaired the meeting, welcomed contributions from local residents.

Among the major topics discussed were rural employment, Agenda 200 CAP reforms, country sports and hunting and the current financial pressures on farmers due to BSE and other crises.

Peter Robinson, agent to the Eddisbury Conservative Association, said: "We had a full house on Thursday and it was a meeting with a difference.

"The shadow minister and other conservative members were there to listen to the farming community and people in the country side rather than talk to them.

"Obviously we are out of government and this initiative was designed to gauge opinion before we formulate new policies.

He added: "We chose farming and the countryside as a subject because of the nature of the Eddisbury Constituency, which is largely rural.

"And everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to speak their minds."

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