The North East has been successful in joining a national business-led network which aims to help protect and support the interests of rural economies.
In recognition of its acceptance to the Farming and Rural Advisory Network, North Eastern network representatives met Richard Benyon MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Natural Environment and Fisheries, earlier this week as he visited the region.
The North Eastern Farming and Rural Advisory Network (NEFRAN) is now one of 14 within Defra’s national network.
NEFRAN covers one of the largest rural areas in England including County Durham, rural parts of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, reflecting the geography of the North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership.
Commenting on the new networks at the Oxford Farming Conference in January Agriculture and Food Minister Jim Paice said: “As part of rebuilding trust between Government and rural communities, including farmers, we need to re-establish direct lines of contact that used to exist.
“It is vital that Ministers can pick up a phone and speak to people on the ground for advice and conversely that they can have direct access to Ministers. We want these groups to genuinely reflect a cross section of rural interests in their area.”
Antony Braithwaite, Interim Chair of the NEFRAN, said: “It’s welcome news that Defra has accepted our application to join the national network. NEFRAN is a great opportunity for all stakeholders to come together, working closely with the Government to champion the opportunities in the Local Enterprise Partnership area and to grow and develop the rural economy.”
NEFRAN includes private sector representatives from the rural business community and organisations including the National Farmers Union, North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership, Northumberland National Park, the Country Landowners and Business Association, Durham and Northumberland County Councils, Gateshead Borough Council, representatives from the North East Rural Community Councils and Newcastle University Centre for the Rural Economy.
The network’s objective is to recommend solutions to the areas rural issues in partnership with Government.
NEFRAN is currently formalising its terms of reference to ensure it meets Defra’s emerging requirements.
The group has also prepared a bid to establish a new Rural Growth Network pilot scheme on behalf of the North Eastern Local Enterprise Partnership, which will support rural enterprises with Defra’s help.
