A GROUP of more than 40 local authority members, officers and farmers attended Alton and Petersfield NFU’s biennial farm walk.
Estate manager Joe Edwards outlined the activities of this mixed-farming estate, driving visitors through beautiful countryside on tractors and trailers. Guests viewed the dairy and crop-growing enterprises, the estate’s extensive conservation programme that helps farmland biodiversity, and its commercial buildings.
Alton and Petersfield NFU group secretary Richard Buer said: “It is very important for us to keep close links with East Hampshire District Council, who have always been very supportive of agriculture. We feel it is essential to keep the council and other authorities briefed and informed on the challenges and opportunities in the farming industry in East Hampshire and nationally.
“Arthur Scott provided an excellent insight into Rotherfield Park Estate’s sustainability strategy, explaining how it is constantly adapting to economic challenges within agriculture. In essence, his philosophy is that the estate aims to be resilient, producing high yields of quality food and crops while being home to a diverse range of wildlife.”
The evening drew to a close with a barbecue featuring pulled pork from Bowtell Farm Shop, a tenanted farm business on the estate.
NFU South East regional director William White concluded the evening with a national political overview of agriculture and horticulture, highlighting the challenges posed by Brexit.
He said:“Ultimately, Brexit will have the biggest impact on farming businesses for a generation, the trade deal deciding the economic conditions in which agriculture and horticulture will operate. So the NFU is determined to press for the best outcome for its farmer and grower members.
“Brexit must not lead to an outcome that undermines domestic agriculture, where farms struggle to make a profit. Farms must be able to produce and export adequate supplies of quality food, while continuing to care for the environment that people enjoy.”