How important is farming to modern rural economies? Lords to hear evidence
On Tuesday 13 November the House of Lords Select Committee on the Rural Economy will question the National Farmers' Union, Tenant Farmers Association and the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission on the importance of the farming and agricultural sector to the modern rural economy.
In the second session, the committee will question the Plunkett Foundation, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Rural Business Group on the role of SMEs in contributing to the rural economy and whether rural businesses, including community businesses, are getting the support they need from central government.
The evidence session will begin at 9:45 in Committee room 1 of the House of Lords, giving evidence will be:
- Minette Batters, President, National Farmers' Union
- George Dunn, Chief Executive, Tenant Farmers Association
- Sue Pritchard, Director, Food, Farming & Countryside Commission (RSA)
The Committee will also ask the witnesses how rural economies will look ten years from now and what agriculture's place will be in securing their future.
The second session will begin at 10:45 and the Committee will question:
- James Alcock, Executive Director, Plunkett Foundation
- Ruby Peacock, Deputy Head of Public Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
- Anna Price, Director & Co-Founder, Rural Business Group
The Committee will cover topics across both sessions including:
- The challenges for small businesses, farming and agricultural sectors in accessing the necessary skills
- The role of LEPs and the support that they provide
- The impact of poor infrastructure such as digital connectivity, mobile coverage, roads and transport on farming and businesses
- The impact of Brexit on farm profitability and the importance of EU funding to the rural economy
