Norfolk farmer becomes CLA Vice President

Norfolk landowner Gavin Lane has become Vice President of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) – a prestigious role within an organisation that represents around 28,000 farmers, landowners and rural businesses across England and Wales.

In his new position, Gavin will support the work of new CLA President Mark Tufnell, who has become the association’s 55th President in its 114-year history. He will also work closely with Victoria Vyvyan who has been appointed Deputy President.

Gavin is an arable farmer in West Norfolk growing winter barley, winter wheat, oilseed rape, haylage and has two countryside stewardship schemes. He also has a number of high-quality holiday cottages situated in converted farm buildings.

Prior to becoming CLA Vice President Gavin has been chairman of the CLA Norfolk branch and has chaired the national CLA Agricultural and Land Use Committee and the Business and Rural Economy Committee.

Speaking of his appointment Gavin said: “I am honoured to become Vice President of the CLA at such an important time for the industry and a period of significant change. The Agricultural Transition Plan, and how that moves towards Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, is going to be absolutely crucial for most farming businesses.

“With the Basic Payment Scheme coming to an end land managers are going to have to work out how they are going to fill that drop in their income and how best to move forward.

“That includes the need to continue producing high-quality food, which they’ve always done, but also how they can maximise their environmental assets and consider climate change mitigation measures.

“The CLA is an incredibly important voice for rural communities and I look forward to working closely with Mark and Victoria to ensure the views of those who live and work in the countryside are heard at the highest level.”

CLA East Regional Director Cath Crowther said:

“Gavin has vast knowledge and experience of the CLA and the issues of most importance to our membership. We are delighted a representative from our region has become Vice President for our association and look forward to working with him closely over the coming years.”