‘I’m hoping for stability in farming after recent rural turmoil’
Meet the new chair of the CLA Buckinghamshire branch Ted Howard-Jones
The new Chairman of the Buckinghamshire branch of the CLA is hoping for more stability in the political and farming worlds, after a period of turmoil.
Ted Howard-Jones replaced Charlie van Exter at a Country Land and Business Association (CLA) committee meeting today, in one of the most important rural roles in the county.
Mr Howard-Jones, along with his wife Jackie, started running their diversified family farm in the Chilterns around 20 years ago, following three decades in sales and marketing. They are now looking to move towards a grazing-based system alongside significant conservation efforts.
Mr Howard-Jones, who is also a member of the Hawkstone Farmers' Choir who won Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, said: “I hope we might see a little more stability in both the political and farming worlds. That may be an optimistic wish, but after the turmoil of the past couple of years, I hope farms and estates can get back to planning for the future, whether that means succession, adapting to climate change or making changes to the way they farm.
'Wealth of information'
“As chair, I want to help ensure the CLA continues to be a useful and effective voice for its members, while making the most of the knowledge and experience within the organisation. I am particularly interested in initiatives such as engaging with MPs, improving planners’ understanding of rural businesses and helping members access the wealth of information and advice the CLA holds more easily.
“I look forward to working with my fellow committee members, many of whom have much more experience than me, learning from them and helping to address the practical challenges facing farms and estates across Buckinghamshire.
“Finally, I would like to thank Charlie van Exter for leading the committee so calmly and thoughtfully over the past three years. I hope I can follow his example.”
As Buckinghamshire branch Chairman, Mr Howard-Jones will be representing hundreds of farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the county.
CLA South East Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “We wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Charlie for his tremendous work, ideas and enthusiasm over the course of his chairmanship.
“We are delighted to welcome Ted into the role and look forward to working closely with him over the next few years.”