Rural Economy Research Group

Yesterday, parliamentarians, academics and rural business leaders came together for the Rural Economy Research Group’s parliamentary seminar on food security. The meeting, chaired by Anne McIntosh, recognised the strategic importance of British food and farming to the nation and highlighted the need for further resilience within our food supply chain. Contributions made to the panel echoed the key challenges the rural economy face in light of the recent Budget with concerns around agricultural property relief tax, growing operational costs and issues with land use and soil health that impact farmers and growers up and down the country. Thank you to our speakers Tristan Fischer, Baroness Rock, Sir Charles Godfrey, and EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP who provided excellent contributions and insight into the need for a new Local Land Use Framework, a long term strategy for protecting the UK’s biosecurity, a review of arms length regulators within the agricultural sector and calls for a holistic view to balance consumer expectations with fair pricing for UK farmers. The group also heard from members who showcased the importance of mental health amongst farmers and growers and the need for a robust workforce. The group will now review the evidence and contributions made by members and provide recommendations for Government policymakers in Westminster and beyond. A huge thank you to our sponsors Fischer Farms Ltd, University of Exeter, Newcastle University and University of Nottingham. To get involved in the groups next session and to find out more, please contact rerg@jbp.co.uk

Farmers have faced immense challenges over the past five years, from COVID-19 to the War in Ukraine. The new government is promising support with a land-use framework, cutting border red tape, and a commitment to source 50% of public sector food locally. This land-use framework could be a turning point, allowing farmers to collaborate on vital infrastructure projects and develop solar and wind farms, aiding the push towards Net-Zero. However, the question remains—can the government deliver where previous attempts have failed? Read the full blog written by Harry Alliss to explore the potential impact of these changes. #RuralRecovery #FarmingFuture #Sustainability #NetZero

The Labour Government's recent supermajority brings the promise of transformative change for the UK. But what does this mean for our agriculture sector? Freya Thomson's insightful article, "Labour’s New Agriculture Policies," delves into Labour’s vision for economic growth and environmental protection, and how these priorities may shape the future of farming. Explore the key proposals: - Local Sourcing: 50% of public sector food from local sources, potentially injecting £1.2 billion into local farming. - EU Veterinary Agreement: Aiming to reduce trade friction and boost agri-food exports by 22.5%. - Environmental Investment: Balancing green commitments with the need for sustainable farming practices. Gain a clearer understanding of the potential impact on farmers, food security, and the rural landscape. 📈🌿 👉 Read the full article below and join the conversation on shaping the future of UK agriculture! #Agriculture #LabourPolicies #EconomicGrowth #SustainableFarming #FoodSecurity

Freya Thomson's latest article delves into the crucial debate on balancing renewable energy and food security in the UK. With the government green-lighting major solar farm projects in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, the potential clash between sustainable energy initiatives and agricultural land use is more pressing than ever. 🌱 Discover how the Labour government's rapid approval process for solar farms is stirring controversy among rural communities and the agricultural sector. Are we risking our food security in the race to achieve net zero? Read on to explore both sides of this critical issue.

🌿 Join the Rural Economy Research Group (RERG) 🌿 We are not just another All-Party Parliamentary Group. Our executive committee includes a diverse mix of MPs, Peers, Business Leaders, and Academics, ensuring a truly cross-party perspective on rural economic issues. We are currently seeking sponsors to join our Group and leadership team. We hold three meetings per year, followed by exclusive networking lunches/dinners at the Houses of Parliament. This is a unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders, contribute to policy reports, and help shape the direction of discussions on the rural economy. Why Join the RERG? - Influence at the highest levels of Government - Quarterly updates on key Parliamentary activities - Participation in impactful research and reports - Invitations to exclusive Parliamentary events - Enhance your brand's visibility and impact Join us in shaping the future of the rural economy. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities! https://lnkd.in/eKWUARy9

At the Rural Economy Research Group (RERG), our mission is to protect and promote the interests of the rural economy and the environment across the United Kingdom. We provide a platform for informed debate and deliver evidence-based insights to rural policy decision-makers in Westminster and beyond. Under the leadership of Baroness McIntosh of Pickering, RERG addresses crucial issues such as UK food security, diversification of farming methods, and environmental care. The current global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and Brexit, have highlighted the need for expert recommendations to ensure the sustained growth of the rural economy. We engage with policymakers at both local and national levels to amplify the voices that shape our countryside. Our focus spans the entire rural economy, from farming to technology, transport, education, employment, and climate change. We are committed to educating the next generation on the vital role the rural economy plays in the UK. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact on rural policy and the environment. For more information, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eKWUARy9

We are delighted to introduce the Rural Economy Research Group, a pioneering forum dedicated to addressing the rural economic issues. Under the esteemed leadership of, former Environment Food and Rural Affairs Chairman, Baroness McIntosh of Pickering we aim to protect and promote the interests of the rural economy and the environment across the United Kingdom. We strive to give our members a platform to engage in informed debate and provide evidence to rural policy decision-makers in Westminster and beyond. We invite you to join us in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the rural industry. Stay tuned for updates on our initiatives and opportunities to engage. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/eKWUARy9

It’s great to hear our Group Chair Baroness McIntosh of Pickering place rural issues at the heart of the debate last Thursday.    Respecting the environment and promoting sensible and affordable development are at the heart of the Rural Economy Research Groups mission.    For more information and to get involved, visit: https://lnkd.in/eKWUARy9

On Friday afternoon, Steve Reed gave his first speech as the new DEFRA secretary and talked about ‘ bringing hope to for our environment, hope for our countryside and hope for our rural communities’.    Freya Thomson, RERG Policy Executive, examines the speech and the tensions it caused in the house and what it means for our rural economy.

On Friday afternoon, Steve Reed gave his first speech as the new DEFRA secretary and talked about ‘ bringing hope to for our environment, hope for our countryside and hope for our rural communities’.    Freya Thomson, RERG Policy Executive, examines the speech and the tensions it caused in the house and what it means for our rural economy.