Elizabeth to host Farming Forum

Elizabeth will be hosting a Farming Forum on the 20 th January 2012, Shouldham Thorpe, 5.30-6.45 pm. Farmers from across the constituency are all welcome and should either email Elizabeth.truss.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 01842 757345 to confirm attendance.

This is the third farming forum Elizabeth has held. Of particular concern to local farmers has been the impact of the Natural Habitats Directive. Elizabeth took local farmers from South West Norfolk to Westminster to meet the DEFRA Minister Richard Benyon. The meeting led to the Minister calling for a more 'common sense approach to the directive. The result has been Natural England, the RSPB, local Councils, landowners all coming together to formulate a more workable application of the directive.  Ahead of the event Elizabeth commented, ‘The farming forums have provided detailed information on the issues faced by farming. I have been able to address this in parliament and illustrate to ministers the challenges faced by the farming community. Changes are taking place which will result in positive benefits on the ground.’