Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North,
'Making the Most of our Countryside'

The CLA has now issued its Manifesto for the Rural Economy to every prospective parliamentary candidate in the North West, calling on them to consider the best way forward for the countryside.

The Association's Manifesto - 'Making the Most of our Countryside' - spells out policies for a living and thriving countryside under the three themes of Enabling Rural Business, Caring for the Countryside, and Enjoying Our Countryside.

The document calls on the next Government to develop polices to tackle the twin challenges of Food Security and Environmental Security, which will have a positive impact on the rural economy, the environment and society as a whole, as well as dealing with goods and services that land managers deliver and are core to the future of life in Britain: putting food on our tables, safeguarding our environment and tackling global warming.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North, said: “All indicators point to the rural vote being crucial in the forthcoming election, and it is in every candidate's interest to make sure they are aware of the issues, which are far more complex they might believe.

"Everyone, even those who live in urban areas, wish to see a vibrant, well-managed countryside delivering a range of benefits for the rest of society, and this document will help the next Government deliver just that."

The Manifesto can be downloaded from http://www.cla.org.uk/Policy_Work/CLA_Manifesto/