Great North Meet 2008 focuses on business opportunities for new entrants

Young rural business people with their eyes – and ambitions – focused firmly on future success in farming will be setting the agenda at the 2009 Great North Meet at Newton Rigg Campus, Penrith on February 5th.

Two groups of young farmers, many already running their own businesses, will present papers that look at opportunities in the region. With the help of various business mentors, who have offered their help and experience, they will look at the potential, problems and challenges within farming and the wider rural industry in the north west.

“When youth has had its say, three key speakers will deal with the key issues of the day – the political influence on farming, climate change and selling to supermarkets,” explained Great North Meet organiser, Mike Keeble. “The idea is to present a day with as many challenges – and solutions – as we can.”

Tim Farron, MP for Westmoreland, will set recent agricultural change into the political context. With rising food prices, growing pressures on land for development and climate change all high on the agenda he will have plenty to say and will be able to indicate at least some of the attitudes that currently prevail at Westminster.

In the afternoon the North West Regional Development Agency, as the body responsible for delivering Government policy to the regions, will outline their issues related to the carbon footprint of farming.

Food miles, sourcing local produce, rising retail prices and falling farm margins are at the forefront of all farmers’ minds – and they are all subjects to be tackled by Morrison’s director, Chris Blundel. Morrisons are major buyers and processors of red meat from within the North West as well as buyers of other fresh produce from both the dairy and vegetable sectors.

There will be a question and answer session at the end of the afternoon with a summing up by NFU County Chairman,Trevor Wilson.

Tickets for the Great North Meet, including tea/coffee on arrival, two course buffet lunch and delegate pack, cost £30 (£25 to RASE members). For more information and to book places, telephone the booking line on 02476 858303 (Mon- Fri, 9-5) or visit www.greatnorthmeet.co.uk.

Ends

For further information contact:

Mike Keeble Great North Meet Organising Committee

Chris Taylor RASE

Issued by:

Denis Chamberlain Communications Director, RASE Tel: 07860680800