Minister seeks views on farm subsidy policy
Newly appointed Farming Minister George Eustice will use a visit to the region today to seek views on how England should best invest its share of the UK’s £20bn agriculture subsidy.
His Government department has opened a consultation on the options for implementing Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms, which will change the way farmers receive support to improve the natural environment, grow the rural economy and increase the competitiveness of the farming industry between 2015 and 2020.
Mr Eustice, who succeeds Richard Benyon in the role, is in Harrogate to speak at the National Farmers’ Union’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference.
Following the conference, Mr Eustice is due to visit Bedale-based Heck! Sausages.