Northumberland to shape the future of farming and rural life
Northumberland is being given a chance to shape the future of farming, the rural economy and the countryside.
Northumberland to shape countryside's future
Northumberland is being given a chance to shape the future of farming, the rural economy and the countryside as Farming Minister George Eustice visits Hexham today.
As part of the visit, the government is seeking views on how England should best invest its share of the UK’s £20 billion Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to improve the natural environment, grow the rural economy and increase the competitiveness of the farming industry.
Northumberland businesses and communities have already benefitted from CAP through schemes such as the Rural Development Programme for England. A business grant from Defra will enable Williamston Farm in Brampton to convert an old hay barn into 5* serviced accommodation for up to 14 people, creating jobs and boosting business for the local tourism industry by generating nearly 8,500 additional overnight stays.
Overall, £35m of Defra funding over the seven years to 2015 will contribute to economic growth across the rural economy, generating an additional 36,600 overnight stays in the region.
Farming Minister, George Eustice, said:
Businesses across the north-east have benefitted from a total of £35 million of Rural Development Programme funding to improve the local economy and support jobs
I want to support more rural communities through Common Agricultural Policy funding, and I’m keen to hear the thoughts of farmers, businesses and local communities on this in Hexham today.
The minister will speak at the Northern Farmers’ Conference today, Wednesday 13th November.
Responses to the consultation can be made online, via email to capconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk or by post to CAP Consultation, Area 1D, Defra, Nobel House, Smith Square, SW1P 3JR.
To find out more about the CAP consultation workshop being held in Hexham on 21 November – please contact rdpedeliverynortheast@defra.gsi.gov.uk
The public consultation on the future of England’s Common Agricultural Policy is open for comment.