Bright Blue’s think forums are run by our members and are spaces for those on the centre-right to come together to chat about politics and discuss policy.
For this forum, we welcome guest speakers Nick von Westenholz, Director of Brexit and International Trade, the National Farmers Union, Susan Twining, Chief Land Use Policy Adviser, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), and Matt Kilcoyne, Communications Manager, the Adam Smith Institute.
Farming is the UK’s oldest profession, it is the driver of rural Britain’s economy and culture, and provides over half of the countries total food consumption. With many growing differences between urban and rural areas what is the future for farming in Britain. Britain’s decision to leave the European Union means it is once again responsible for farming policy, the current Agriculture Bill proposes a radical shake up of the system which will change prospects for producers and consumers. This event aims to gain an overall view of the future of farming in rural Britain and it’s relationship with increasing urbanisation, through the following key questions:
- How should farmers and policymakers seek to balance the need for productivity and sustainability in farming?
- What system should begin to replace CAP after Brexit?
- What is the right balance between food security and self-sufficiency?
- How can we encourage better engagement and retention of young people in the rural economy?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the rural economy in the years to come?
Date: Monday 18th March, 2019, 19.00 – 21.00
Venue: The Boot & Flogger, 10 Redcross Way, London SE1 1TA
