CLA sets out new year wishes for a more prosperous rural economy in the North

CAP reform, a determination to tackle disease and better weather in 2013 are CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn’s wishes for a happy and prosperous new year in the countryside.

She said: “The best outcome for CAP reform in 2013 is a fair and sensible deal for northern farmers and land managers that enables them to compete on a level playing field with their European counterparts.

“It is vital the postponed badger cull goes ahead in the summer of 2013 to help combat the scourge of bovine TB. This terrible disease not only affects rural businesses but it also has a devastating emotional impact on the people involved.

"The countryside must become a healthier place for both livestock and wildlife. The arrival of ash dieback in our cherished rural landscapes has brought home the importance of developing more effective plant import control measures to ensure our trees and woodlands are not subject to attack by another new tree pest or disease.”

Miss Fairburn added: “The dreadful weather conditions we had to endure in 2012 cost the rural economy upwards of £150million with major countryside events such as the CLA Game Fair and Great Yorkshire Show being forced to cancel.

“Farmers have lost valuable crops to the freak weather, which has had a knock-on impact for consumers as prices rise, quality becomes more variable and produce becomes scarce. Although weather conditions have been exceptional, the continued reduction of the Environment Agency maintenance budget has compounded the flooding of land and damage to crops. The Government must address the impact flooding has on land and give consideration to our long-term food and environmental security needs.

“My wish for 2013 is for much drier conditions leading up to the CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire and more manageable weather for the farmers who produce our food and other rural businesses which rely on tourism.”