CLA launches general election missions for the rural economy
Our six missions, focused on specific policy areas including farming, housing, rural crime and access, will help generate up to £43bn for the national economy
The CLA has launched its plan for the rural economy for the next UK Government, which will unlock the countryside’s untapped economic potential and close the rural productivity gap.
Our six policy missions, covering sustainable farming, affordable homes, rural economic growth, responsible access, a connected countryside and rural crime, offer practical and cost-effective solutions to some of the key barriers to rural business success and will help rural communities flourish.
These missions, which represent the next phase of our successful Rural Powerhouse campaign, have been developed following conversations about how politicians from all parties will be approaching their manifestos and what sort of ideas are most likely to be listened to. The CLA has already had several conversations with different political parties about the recommendations in each mission, and we will work hard to continue delivering our comprehensive engagement strategy, including meeting MPs, ministers and their shadows, and the people who write the manifestos.
Jonathan Roberts, CLA Director of External Affairs, says:
These ‘missions’ show the extent of our ambition for the rural economy. If implemented, the ideas contained within these six short documents could generate up to £43bn for the national economy.
"This would allow our members to grow their businesses, creating good jobs and spreading opportunity across our rural communities.
“The launch of these documents marks the first phase of our general election strategy, which is to work closely with stakeholders in all of the major parties as they develop their manifestos. The next phase will begin later this month as we rollout an extensive engagement strategy with candidates of all major parties across England and Wales.
“Through our Rural Powerhouse campaign, the CLA is very well placed to guide the next government, whichever party forms it, towards building a policy agenda that will finally unlock the vast potential of the rural economy.”
