This plan has been developed in line with the policy priorities agreed earlier this year by the East Regional Board and will guide our engagement with members in the year ahead.
The key priorities are:
- Water 鈥� covering water quality and management, including flood, drought and storage.
- Resilience 鈥� supporting members through agricultural transition (SFI/BPS), climate and nature challenges, taxation, cashflow and devolution.
- Safe and Secure Farms 鈥� focusing on health and safety, rural crime, fire prevention and mental health.
- Infrastructure and Development 鈥� ensuring farming has a voice in regional planning and investment.
- Plant and Animal Health 鈥� safeguarding biosecurity and protecting stock and crops.
Our local engagement plans for 2025/26 will be built around them, starting with group office events in the coming weeks.
It鈥檚 been a busy month in lots of other areas as well.
Environment Agency visit to abstractors in the Ely Ouse area
With the impact of the dry spring and summer still being felt, building constructive relationships between abstractors and the EA (Environment Agency) has never been more important.
We recently welcomed EA staff to Tim Young鈥檚 farm, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand the impact of restrictions and better understand on-farm operations.
Following the visit, we received a positive update from the EA team confirming that abstraction in the Cut Off Channel will move from alternate nights to five nights per week 鈥� a welcome and encouraging development for local businesses.
Looking after your mental health
We recently met with the new Rural Chaplain, Rev鈥檇 Dr Tim Weatherstone, who is eager to connect with members and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced across Norfolk.
I have also been involved with the Mental Health in Agriculture group, which brings people together to explore how we can better support farmers.
Mental health continues to be a pressing issue, especially during long harvest hours and in difficult circumstances.
If you ever feel the need to talk to someone, please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to one of these excellent support organisations: YANA (You Are Not Alone) RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) FCN (Farming Community Network) Engaging with MPs: Keeping Farming Voices Heard
Meeting our MPs
We were pleased to host another successful MP visit recently, welcoming Labour MP Terry Jermy for discussions focused on the sugar sector.
These visits are an important opportunity to ensure policymakers hear directly from farmers about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
David Richardson
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Richardson, who will be remembered with great respect and affection for his many contributions to our community. Read a tribute to David here.