CLA arranges fact-finding farm visit for Midlands MEP

Anthea McIntyre MEP has undertaken a fact-finding farm visit to Moorlands Farm, Kineton, Warwickshire to learn about the issues facing West Midlands farmers at first hand.

William Forsyth (centre) with Anthea McIntyre MEP

The visit was arranged by CLA Midlands and hosted by CLA Members Mr and Mrs Anthony Forsyth and their son William.

Led by William, Miss McIntyre and a group including local CLA members, rural advisers and Public Affairs Adviser Louise Banbury enjoyed a tour of the farm where they learnt about the enterprise’s investment in a new grain dryer and eco measures, as well as the hurdles they had to overcome to reach the stage they have now achieved.

The tour was followed by a round table meeting and included discussion on topics including genetically modified crops, planning, red tape and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Miss McIntyre said: “Today has been extremely useful. It is always better being able to quote real life examples and this visit has provided me with many. It is also heartening to see how very enterprising our farmers are.  This is demonstrated by the way the Forsyths have made a long term investment. It is young entrepreneurs like William, who is already planning for the next generation, that deserve our continuing support.”

Caroline Bedell said: “Politicians can never be too well informed, especially when it comes to the murky area that is CAP reform. That is why the CLA takes every opportunity it can to arrange these informal briefings, where members can get across real world issues, which politicians can then confidently take to Europe.”