What the CLA is doing for farmers

The CAP and support for farmers
We have always said that food production must remain the main economic activity on rural land and we continue to do so. Subsidies just to produce food have long gone and since the 1980s the CLA has argued strongly that farmers must be rewarded for all the other benefits they provide free of charge - the 'public goods'. The only way to maintain public and political support for an EU Agricultural budget is to link food and environment. Our unparalleled access to politicians leads us to believe that this is the only approach that will see any form of payment in the future.

Legal & Property Rights
The CLA is the only organisation dedicated to halting the erosion of the rights of farmers and landowners. We can explain your rights - and responsibilities - to ensure your investment is under your control, not that of others who happen to have an opinion. Safeguarding property rights is the guiding principle of the CLA. We are often we are the only people standing up your right to run your farm the way you want.

Dealing with the RPA & Defra
Having members of staff who actually farm helps us to get results. The strength of our membership, and our political and media connections means that we can often get right to the people that make the decisions. As well as dealing with individual cases, we meet with all the key players on a regular basis, to avoid future problems.

Planning
Most farmers have planning issues at some time, but thanks to our long term influencing of Government, restrictions are far more realistic than they could have been. Our experts also advise members on individual applications, so speak to us before you invest time and money in what might prove to be a fruitless exercise.

Red Tape
A rural business ourselves, we understand the frustration and anger that unnecessary forms, inspections and bureaucracy bring. Our campaign to reduce red tape has been running for years, and our evidence-based approach can work to reduce the burden on all of us.

Renewable Energy
We can show you how renewable energy, in its different forms, offers farmers opportunities to reduce energy bills, secure your energy supply and potentially generate extra income. It has been consistent CLA lobbying that has won financial support for all types of energy, not just wind. Our advisers can be the first contact when considering energy production.

Diversification
Not all farms wish to diversify, but some want to and some have to. Before you decide, and before you invest time and money, talk to us first - we will probably have experience of your idea and be able to help you along the way. The CLA is proud to sponsor the Diversifarm area at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show.

Taxation
Our advisers' stock in trade is land and property, and they are highly respected within the industry. We have achieved major policy concessions on behalf of members, and ensure that the interests of working farmers are represented. Our advice often saves members many times their subscription and, as the Treasury looks for more ways to increase their revenue, our advisers are busier than ever.
Uplands

Many CLA members rely on the uplands for their living, from farming and associated businesses. Our day to day work brings us in close contact with the issues that matter and our advisers work tirelessly to ensure that your particular needs are taken account of by politicians. We have recently presented Government with 36 recommendations for a prosperous upland economy.

Dairy & Livestock
Fluctuating livestock prices, and poor milk prices have created many of agriculture's problems. Our consistent emphasis on food security is now convincing everyone that we must protect our industry, and become less reliant on cheap imported food. We have a dedicated livestock adviser who, with the other members of the team offer members the best possible advice and support on individual queries, briefing and interpretation of regulations, and just helping you get the results you want.

Local Food & Supermarkets
CLA members are involved in all links of the food chain, from farm through mart to restaurant and retail. We have played our part in improving the farm gate price for food, and we were the first organisation to call for an independent ombudsman to reduce the powers of the supermarkets over smaller suppliers. We were among the first to raise the importance to rural businesses and communities of buying locally.

Conservation & Environment
The landscape, environment and wildlife habitats are shaped by farming, which in turn is ruled by increasing conservation and environmental regulation. Our advisers strive to ensure that regulation is fit for purpose and necessary - and avoided if possible. They also offer members individual advice to help you work within the rules.

Cutting on-farm costs
Our member benefits offer the opportunity for you to enjoy preferential savings on a range of high cost items including insurance, electricity and gas, mortgages, financial planning, satellite broadband and foreign exchange.

Local Representation
Your interests are represented on a range of panels, bodies and consultations throughout the region. Our advisers meet regularly with government and numerous agencies to represent your interests and help farm-proof policy while local, county and regional lobbying activities help give MPs, MEPs, and the public a better understanding of farm business.
 
Information
As a CLA member, you will have access to a wide range of professional advice and guidance notes, advisory handbooks as well as a host of online information to help you and your business. 

CLA – lobbying on your behalf

At the CLA we use our members’ experiences and concerns to help change the law be it overturning bad regulations, improving legislation in the interests of our members or resisting introductions of laws that would have unintended consequences for landowners. Our policies encompass all aspects of landownership and rural life with a particular focus on the protection of private property rights and the facilitation of rural economic development across England and Wales. As a result, our policy work and lobbying successes benefit all our members.

Anyone who owns rural land will benefit from joining the CLA. To find out more about membership call CLA Midlands on 01785 337005 or join online.