New farming forum elects chair and sets priorities

The county’s new agriculture and horticulture forum has now elected a chair – Crowland-based farmer and farm consultant, Matt Riddington.

The county’s new agriculture and horticulture forum has now elected a chair – Crowland-based farmer and farm consultant, Matt Riddington.

The group’s first meeting since its formation decided on the group’s priorities for the first year, and discussed national and local emerging issues in the sector.

Matt Riddington, said: “The forum will be crucial in providing a collective regional voice from local farming and rural stakeholders, feeding into the national Rural and Farming Network. We will be identifying issues, concerns, and good practice we want to promote to government.”

“Farming is facing multiple challenges but is also adapting and innovating to address these. The forum is a place to look at what is being done, and what needs to be done, in Greater Lincolnshire. We need to have a sustainable and profitable industry that inspires young people to want to be part of, into the future.”

The Greater Lincolnshire Forum For Agriculture and Horticulture (GLFFAH) is comprised of a diverse range of members with representatives from farms of all sizes, sector bodies, training organisations and support services. 

Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at the county council, said:

“This forum provides a vital mouthpiece for our agriculture and horticulture industries in raising county issues at a national level and in supporting the sector with recommendations and action.

“The county council is committed to supporting those in the farming sector, who are facing ongoing battles as well as new pressures.” 

The priorities for the forum in the short term are to look at issues around:

• skills, workforce and training
• planning and land use – conflicts and demands
• succession in farming businesses
• soils and water management
• environment and carbon credits uncertainty
• regulations and tax

 The county council has brought together all the support for this sector in one place at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/KeepLincolnshireGrowing

The GLFFAH meets three times per year, supported by officers from Lincolnshire County Council.