Three new Rural and Farming Networks have hotline to government
The map has now been completed and we have full coverage in terms of the above Networks which are just beginning to define themselves in a number of key areas of activity. Some seem to have an extremely broad “rural communities” perspectives whilst others are concentrating more narrowly on food and farming. Introducing the latest 3 networks this article explains they are:
The Wessex Rural and Farming Network;
Cumbria & North Lancashire Farming, Food & Rural Group; and
Cheshire, South and West Lancashire, Merseyside & Manchester Land Use Farming & Rural Group.
It goes on to say:
Environment Minister, Richard Benyon said; “We are giving rural communities a new voice so that their interests will not be neglected by Government as they have been in the past. Great business ideas should never be held back by the challenges of a rural location. These Rural and Farming Networks are making us aware of the problems that local businesses face so that we can tackle them and provide the right opportunities for businesses to grow.”
Rural and Farming Networks bring together people from rural communities, rural businesses and the food and farming industries. They make a direct link between rural areas and the Government, creating new opportunities to develop better and more targeted policy.
Each group will also be a vital point of contact in the event of local emergencies – such as flooding – giving advice and information so that the right kind of assistance can be provided to keep businesses running.’