New CLA Devon Branch Chairman ready to support rural community

The new Chairman of the Devon Branch of The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) says she is ready to support members across the county however she can after a challenging 12 months for the rural community.

Hayley Parker was elected as the new chairman of the Devon Branch of the CLA at the recent county AGM, held at Carswell Farm.

Hayley was born in Devon and has keen understanding of the issues facing the agricultural community. Having studied marketing and business at university, she went on to establish Flame Marketing which offers marketing solutions to agri-businesses.

Hayley is also writing her first book, a comprehensive guide to farm diversification marketing, set to release next year.

On her election, Hayley commented: “Since joining the CLA I have been astonished by the amount of incredible work the CLA undertakes on behalf of its members, championing the voice of the rural sector. I feel incredibly privileged to have been elected as Chairman of the organisation’s Devon Branch. I am fully aware of the strength, passion and resilience of our members, but the challenges we have all faced over the last 12 months have pushed many in our community to their limits. In Devon we have so much to be proud of. My hope is that next year will bring more stability and positivity for our community. But I expect there will be more curve balls coming our way. I am ready for the challenge. I am ready to support my county however I can, from pushing your views at national meetings, to understanding your local issues, and driving our rural economy forwards.”

Hayley will be supported in her role by the newly elected Vice Chairman Leigh Rix.