CLA South West Breakfast at Devon County Show 2025
The CLA Breakfast at Devon County Show – the event’s traditional curtain raiser – offered a standing room only discussion about the impacts of government decisions on rural businesses.
CLA South West Regional Director Ann Maidment opened the event by marking the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) 150th anniversary: “Devon is a county that delivers a full reflection of the countryside. Devon County Agricultural Association and Devon County Show encapsulates all of this and has done so in such a wonderful way for 150 years. The CLA are proud to be a part of its rich history.”
Despite invitations being sent out to the Devon County Show Breakfast to government ministers, there was a political no-show at this year’s event.
Addressing those gathered, CLA Vice President said: “I had been hoping to welcome the Secretary of State this morning. I thought we might have some polite and probing questions for him, but I don’t think he has turned up. I think I would be forgiven for feeling somewhat beleaguered at present. But under all of this, I can kind of see the glimmers of what the government is trying to achieve. I don’t think there is an enormous conspiracy to make our lives as difficult as it possibly could be. It may feel that way – I don’t think the government is that organised to do this. It’s a tough world out there. I don’t think the Secretary of State sets out to make our life difficult, but the effect on the ground is extremely challenging for all our members.
"Post-Brexit, we had to realise there was going to be a reset of the farming sector’s relationship with the government. We are working with Defra to shape the next SFI scheme and our policy teams are engaged, drawing on decades of our members’ experiences of delivering agri-environment schemes. The rumbles are that Defra’s budget is on a downward trajectory - not only a blow to farmers but a step backwards for nature. Without support and clarity from this government we are going to be forced to intensify our operations. Had the Secretary of State been here I would have asked him what is the vision for our sector? Without clarity and stability farmers simply cannot plan their businesses.
"The October announcement on inheritance tax came out of the blue. Had they just come to us in advance we would have helped Treasury find a solution. The implications are being felt already – everyone is worse off because of these reforms. So far, we haven’t seen any sign of movement, but we’re going to keep asking the hard questions. I cannot believe that it is the government’s intention to punish the elderly and the sick – it doesn’t feel very Labour – but that is the practical impact. And it is a cross that our politicians will have to bear, and we will keep making that burden as uncomfortable as we possibly can. We have modeled various practical alternatives and our analysis says this will stand up, but the government has said it won’t. We are not letting that go. I’m not able to tell you how we’re not letting that go just at this moment but watch this space. I think it’s going to get increasingly uncomfortable for them. We must remember that whilst parliamentary cycles come and go, we will still be here. So be assured we’ll continue to fight your battles, and we’ll always remember who we are.”
Guests were joined by Lord Roborough, the Shadow Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and a Devon dairy farmer. He questioned why the government would be reluctant to attend the show and speak with its stakeholders. He said: “I and my colleagues hold this government to account for the many awful decisions and actions they are taking that reflect no sympathy for rural business, no understanding of the countryside and no empathy for those who live and work in it. This is about us wanting to protect our lives’ work and ensure the viability of our businesses when they’re passed on to the next generation. For a government that claims to be pro-business and pro-growth it is a massive own goal.”
As Devon County Show celebrated its 150th anniversary, its Deputy President Roger Ellis - a fourth-generation farmer who took over the family farm at the age of 18 following his father’s death – shared his thoughts on the current situation. He commented: “I am a farmer, and my son is a fifth-generation farmer. It does not matter what politics are, we really have to look after the family farm. Without them we are going to lose a lot of important food producers who will disappear. People need to realise that if you want to keep the countryside looking the way it is, we need the farmers to look after it.”
Ann Maidment closed the event by reminding those in attendance that if they had come to ask questions of the Government to get in touch so these could be put before ministers to get answers. She added: At such an important time for the sector the CLA has been busy defending your interests for future generations to come.
Our thanks go to Michelmores and Knight Frank for their continued support of this popular annual event.
