Water Summit - Aim is for a Yorkshire-Wide Strategy
Presenting the many perspectives relating to water and rural industries is the theme of a high profile conference to raise awareness of the issues, and give farmers and rural communities a chance to have their say voice their views. The aim is and work towards a Yorkshire-wide strategy for water management and to influence Government policy.
Defra Water Minister Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall is the keynote speaker at “Water Summit for Yorkshire” which takes place on Tuesday 11 February at FERA (Food & Environment Research Agency) at Sand Hutton, York. It is organized by the Yorkshire Food, Farming and Rural Network which brings together people from rural communities, rural businesses and the food and farming industries, to identify and feedback local issues and concerns direct to Government. It is hosted and supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Charles Mills, Network Chair said: “Given the recent horrendous weather, exploring the many issues around flooding, drought and climate change could not be more topical. Undoubtedly extreme weather patterns are becoming more prevalent.”
“This event brings together key people, including the Minister with specific responsibility for water, and so provides a valuable opportunity to hear the latest ideas, to share your own thoughts, and work towards a Yorkshire-wide strategy to put to government. Our aim is to use the outcomes of the day to plan next steps and influence government policy,” he added.
Mr Mills farms at Appleton Roebuck, near York, he is a trustee of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and also vice chairman of the Ainsty 2008 Drainage Board.
Craig McGarvey will give the Environment Agency perspective as the EA’s Regional Environment and Performance Manager and Ian Stevens will represent Yorkshire Water. Giving an academic perspective on soil management will be Dr Elizabeth Stockdale, lecturer in Newcastle University’s Agriculture, Food & Rural Development. Highlighting farmers’ views will be Paul Hammett, the NFU’s water resources specialist.
A panel, including Dorothy Fairburn, Regional Director of the CLA and Richard Pearson, Regional Director of the NFU will listen to and debate the audience’s views on topical issues such as waterways maintenance and dredging.
This free event is open to all, and includes a locally sourced hot lunch. For more details, or to register your place, please contact Elizabeth Hudson, Yorkshire Agricultural Society on elizabethh@yas.co.uk or 07702 598108.
ENDS
14 January 2014
For further information please contact Liz Hudson on 07702 598 108 or email elizabethh@yas.co.uk
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1837 and is a charity dedicated to supporting the farming industry and rural life. This ranges from educational initiatives to the Society’s Nuffield Scholarships to hosting the Yorkshire Food and Farming Network. The Society is based at the Regional Agricultural Centre, Harrogate; the RAC includes Fodder, the Society’s award winning regional food shop and café which opened in June 2009.
The Society is the organiser of the annual farming and country showcase, the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live. Both take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire and are flagship events for agriculture and rural life. Dates for the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 July, and Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October for Countryside Live. See www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk for more information.
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