Eustice heads panel for show society’s seminar
ENVIRONMENT Secretary George Eustice will be the guest of honour for an upcoming online seminar debating the future of Westcountry agriculture.
The MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, who hails from a farming background, will be joined by West Dorset MP Chris Loder for the virtual discussion, hosted by the Melplash Agricultural Society.
It comes as the charity prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary and once again stage the prestigious Melplash Show, which after a two-year Covid break will be returning to the West Bay Showgrounds on Thursday, August 25.
Nigel Jones, president of the Melplash Agricultural Society, said: “As we start preparations for this year’s show, we are honoured to be joined on our next webinar by the George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, together with West Dorset MP, Chris Loder.
“They will be discussing with a panel of members a number of topics relating to the future of agriculture and other rural challenges. This is particularly fitting as we celebrate our milestone anniversary as a community organisation, supporting rural activities in West Dorset.”
The online seminar, titled ‘The Future of Agricultural and Rural Livelihoods’, will take place on Wednesday, April 20, between 6.30pm and 8pm.
Mr Jones, who will be hosting the discussion, added: “After two years without a full calendar or a show we are going to make the society’s 175th anniversary year, the best yet. It is going to be the year when everyone remembers the valuable role that the society plays in championing rural life and the local economy.
“The society’s original objective, which still stands to this day, is to put a spotlight on local farming, food and rural life in West Dorset. As well as showcasing the best, as it does at the annual show, the society also serves the rural community by being at the forefront of important farming and agricultural issues in the locality.”
■ For further details and to register for the seminar, visit the website www.melplashshow.co.uk/events