CLA Midlands Big Breakfast
The team were joined by CLA President Mark Tufnell, Sir Bill Wiggin MP and members for the Royal Three Counties Big Breakfast
Held in the Members Pavilion at the Three Counties Showground and a staple for CLA members attending, the Big Breakfast opened the Royal Three Counties Show last Friday.
Boasting speakers such as CLA President Mark Tufnell and Sir Bill Wiggin MP, alongside a delicious locally produced full English breakfast, the morning did not disappoint.
Mark Tufnell spoke about important charitable causes that are close to his and the rural communities heart. The CLA Charitable Trust which is dedicated to helping those who are disabled or disadvantaged to visit and participate in learning experiences about the countryside.
In 2023, 32 grants totalling £86,313 have been made to date, including eight grants awarded to charities in the Midlands at a total of £20,917.
Secondly, Mark spoke about his guest of honour, Co-Chair of Farm Herefordshire Martin Williams who along with friends had just completed a 940 mile challenge driving from John O’Groats to Lands End in a combine Harvester.
The challenge was to raise money for Mind and Children with Cancer UK in recognition of the farming community. The current total raised for this challenge stands at £73,116.
You can read more about Martin's Combine Challenge here.
Upon taking the stage, Sir Bill Wiggin MP spoke with passion about the CLA being a wise, well-led and helpful organisation. He discussed issues and solutions within the Agricultural Transition saying:
“I still believe that work needs to be done to smooth the transition away from subsidies such as the Single Farm Payment, which many farmers depend on, which rewards farmers for the good work they do.
The government has already responded by increasing payment rates for upland farmers, but it is key that more financial incentives are needed to ensure we meet the target of 70% of farmers in SFI by 2028.”
What a fantastic morning and start to the Royal Three Counties Show! It is wonderful to have so many members all in one place enjoying themselves, being entertained by and learning from our speakers and making the most of the networking opportunity.
To find out more about events that the Midlands team are hosting, please click here or contact Natalie Ryles on 01785 338010.
