The Rural Charter details

THERE are nine demands in the Rural Charter, signed by 25 Agricultural and allied bodies today (27 May). It calls on the Government and “key decision-makers” to:

• Acknowledge the severity of the crisis affecting rural Britain and act to remedy it;
• Take every conceivable step to lower the value of the Pound;
• Take economic policy decision which allow lower interest rates;
• Avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensure that similar controls are imposed across the whole of Europe;
• Ensure that imported products are submitted to the same regulations and standards as required of British producers;
• Ensure fair agrimoney arrangements;
• Consider carefully the impact of all Government and European policieson the fragile rural economy and, where necessary, modify them
• Promote, in Government and European policies, new opportunities for rural businesses, inlcuding proper funding for agri-environment schemes and rural development
• Ensure the survival of a living countryside for our own and future generations.