LANDOWNERS’ leaders will provide the new Government with a wish list for the countryside at the CLA Breakfasts at the south-west’s three major agricultural shows later this month and early next month.

CLA South West director John Mortimer said: "With the shows following hard-on-the heels of the general election, it will be an extraordinary opportunity to look at the potential impact of the new government on the rural south-west.

“At this point, we cannot say for certain whether a minister will again be joining us at these well-established breakfast time debates - but we are certain that all three of our breakfasts are in the Secretary of State’s diary and we are optimistic that either he or she, or one of their Ministers, will be take the opportunity to set out their agenda for farming and the rural economy at our breakfasts."

At the Devon County Show on Thursday, May 21, CLA president, Henry Robinson, will outline the CLA’s expectations for the incoming Government. He will set out the CLA’s vision for the future of agriculture and land management both in the south-west and in the wider, policy, context.

Mr Mortimer said: “Our breakfast at the Devon Show this year takes place just two weeks after the election. There couldn’t be a more important moment for us to be able to put our cards on the table and detail what we want the new Government to deliver."

At the Royal Bath and West Show on Wednesday, May 27, CLA deputy-president Ross Murray will discuss the future direction for farming and land management in the area. Flood management will almost certainly form a major part of the debate alongside key issues such as bovine TB and broadband provision.

“The CLA will have had time to analyse the outcome of the election and will, by then, have a much clearer idea of what the future is likely to hold for the land-based sector in our region,” said John Mortimer.

At the Royal Cornwall Show on Thursday, June 4, Ross Murray, will again take to the platform to discuss the key issues facing Cornwall’s farmers and land managers.

John Mortimer said: “We have all the ingredients for the kind of lively debate we have come to expect from our Cornish members and with Cornish MPs potentially holding an important balance in the next Government, I think we can look forward to an extremely interesting exchange."

On Friday, June 5 at the Royal Cornwall Show the CLA will be exploring just what it is that makes Cornish food so popular all over the world. Ruth Huxley from Cornwall Food and Drink and Catherine Mead from Lynher Dairies will give their views on what has caused the great Cornwall Food Rush.