Devon Branch AGM Chairman's Report 2025

As I end my second year as chairman of the CLA Devon Branch Committee, we have been committed to making sure you are well informed and that all your views are known on a national level.

The Labour government has been in post for 12 months but does not seem to understand the needs of the rural community, and those with rural businesses have had a rough time since the election.

Some of the most pressing issues we are facing include inheritance tax, country sports and the renters’ rights bill. Cuts to agricultural support payments are also a serious concern. Support in some form is being promised, but with the withdrawal of capital grants and then reinstating some and capping the amounts for new applications seems like kicking the can down the road again. It doesn’t give landowners and farmers much confidence and our trust in the present government is at an all time low. However, we must stay positive.

The CLA stand at the Devon County Show was very successful and thanks must go to Ann Maidment’s team who were on hand – and kept very busy - ready to help members and discuss pressing issues affecting rural businesses. It was good to see our enthusiastic Vice President Joe Evans speak at the CLA Breakfast, and whilst we have traditionally had a political guest speaker, unfortunately (and very disappointingly) there was a government no show this year. However, we had a good number of local MPs visit the stand during the three days of the show which was encouraging.

Our concerns need to be addressed if we are to have a strong rural economy, and we all have a role to play by lobbying our MPs, whichever party they represent. I know that some members have already had meetings with their local constituency MP, and the South West team continues to lobby on our behalf. For these MPs to really understand the issues, it is vital they put their wellies on and visit our countryside farms. My MP, Sir Geoffrey Cox, has regular meetings with farmers, taking on board the points made to him.

I would like to thank the CLA, both the team in the South West and those in London, who are always on hand to give advice where it is needed, and I encourage our members to make use of this service.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time as Chairman, including our Devon President Craig Hodgson and Vice Chair Hayley Parker as well as our committee members who have a wide range of knowledge and contacts to help us tackle any issues we face.

There are many events coming up for members to attend so keep an eye out for details on how to book your tickets. I hope to see many of you at the AGM which promises to be a very informative event; for old and new members it is a great opportunity to meet the CLA team.

Mary Alford

Devon Branch Chairman