Spotlight on agriculture at special public meeting

A special public meeting will shine a spotlight on North Devon's farming and agricultural community later this month.

North Devon Council's policy development committee has invited a range of local stakeholders to a public meeting which will take place on Thursday, 23 May 2024.

It is hoped the meeting will help raise awareness of the major issues facing the agricultural community and explore the potential ways in which the council can offer support.

There will be a panel made up of local farmers and representatives from the National Farmers Union, North Devon Plus, Bloomfield Landsense, Exmoor Hill Farming Network, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Partnership and Mole Valley Farmers. The panel is completed by Councillor Robin Milton.

Leader of North Devon Council and the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for North Devon, Ian Roome said: “Bringing local farmers together with representatives of key groups involved in agriculture, the environment and food should help the council develop policies which tackle the issues North Devon’s farmers face.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part and hearing more about the challenges facing the area’s agricultural industry and the opportunities available.”

Chair of North Devon Council's Policy Development Committee, Liberal Democrat Councillor Liz Spear, said: "Agriculture is such a vital industry for North Devon and it is important that we hear from those involved to recognise the challenges and opportunities the industry faces. We look forward to a positive and constructive discussion."

The special policy development committee meeting takes place in the South West Institute Development Building at Petroc on Thursday, 23 May at 6.30pm.

Questions from councillors to the panel and their respective answers will be available with the agenda from 14 May.