The CLA launches a Manifesto for making the most of our countryside

A Manifesto to release the potential of the rural economy was launched today (Tuesday, 21 July 2009) by the CLA.

The Manifesto will be debated by leading politicians from all the major parties at The CLA Game Fair on Friday, 24 July.

The 16-page document covers all areas of sustainable development under the three themes of Enabling Rural Business, Caring for the Countryside, and Enjoying Our Countryside.

The CLA calls on the next Government to develop polices to tackle the twin challenges of Food and Environmental Security and which will have a positive impact on the rural economy, the environment and society as a whole.

Our Manifesto deals with goods and services that land managers deliver and are core to the future of life in Britain: putting food on our tables, safeguarding our environment tackling global warming.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "The CLA believes more needs to be done to enable thriving and profitable rural businesses which in turn will contribute to a stronger national economy. Proportionality, evidence- based regulation and the use of voluntary approaches will reduce the barriers to rural business development and allow rural Britain to realise its full potential.

"In the main, the beautiful English and Welsh countryside is managed by farmers and foresters: the biodiversity in and around our fields and forests, the clean air and water, the landscape that is unique and cherished. However for all its value, it suffers from market failure and more must be done by the next government to reward land managers for the eco-system services they provide.

 "In all, the CLA spells out a comprehensive series of action points for any incoming Government.

"We call on the next Government to recognise and support the role land managers play in rural Britain and the rural economy. Only by working together can we make the most of our countryside."

* All members of the media are invited to CLA Manifesto press conference at The CLA Game Fair, on Friday, 24 July, from 9.30am in The CLA Game Fair, just before the CLA President's Debate on the Manifesto.    

 CLA MEDIA CONTACTS:

 For further information and interviews:

 Oliver Wilson, Director of Communications, 020 7460 7936 or 07702 928828, ollie.wilson@cla.org.uk,

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 

1. The CLA's argument is that the world, and the EU, in coming decades face a food and environmental challenge, these challenges are interrelated. Food production relies on the environment is heavily impacted by the way food, and other fruits of the land, are produced. Both these challenges are intensified by climate change. Food, agriculture and the environment, and policies to deal with them, are all matters which, correctly, are EU competences because of transboundary effects. Therefore it makes sense to adapt and integrate current EU policies to meet these new challenges.

 

2. The CLA Game Fair, the world's biggest countryside event, will be held at Belvoir Castle, near Grantham, Leicestershire from Friday, 24 July – Sunday, 26 July.  For full details and to apply for Press Passes to the show:  www.gamefair.co.uk.  Contact: Fiona Eastman, Director of Marketing and Show Development, fiona.eastman@cla.org.uk or Marishelle Gibson, Senior Press Officer, marishelle.gibson@cla.org.uk