New chair of CLA Oxfordshire branch: ‘It’s easy to be negative about farming but I’m passionate about backing a vibrant industry’

The new chair of the Oxfordshire branch of the CLA has spoken of her passion for supporting a vibrant farming industry, despite the challenges the sector faces.

Emma Watson replaced Edmund Smith at a Country Land and Business Association (CLA) committee meeting today, in one of the most important rural roles in the county.

Emma farms on the outskirts of Banbury in partnership with her husband. They previously farmed 1,200 acres as tenants of New College, Oxford, where regenerative farming techniques were at the heart of their arable and suckler enterprises.

On a smaller 200-acre farm they are now taking this to another level and are in the process of creating an agroforestry scheme across the entire farm, using hedgerows to maximise carbon capture and biodiversity gain, while producing high quality beef.

Emma also has a consultancy business, Gasson Associates, which employs 19 people and provides full farm management services as well as consultancy advice to a diverse client base throughout the UK.

Emma said: “While it’s easy to be negative about UK farming at present, I am passionate about helping create a vibrant industry, that isn’t reliant on government support, and that is sustainable both financially and environmentally for the long term.

“Farming businesses shouldn’t need to use diversification income to prop up agricultural production. I see the CLA as a powerful voice for landowners to try and instigate change, and I am looking forward to making my contribution to this in my tenure as chairman of the Oxfordshire committee.”

As Oxfordshire branch chair, Emma 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 Ed for his tremendous work, ideas and enthusiasm over the course of his chairmanship.

“We are delighted to welcome Emma into the role and look forward to working closely with her over the next few years.”