Young farmers’ forum looks to post-Brexit future

THE YORKSHIRE Young Farmers’ Club forum will be going ahead online this year with a stellar line-up of panellists.

The annual forum is a longstanding tradition for the county’s Young Farmers’ Clubs and would normally take place in one of the auction marts.

Instead, the debate, which will this year focus on British Farming

Outside the EU, is taking place via Zoom on Friday.

Hosting the debate will be Georgina Fort, chair of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFYFC), who said it was important to be able to keep the annual forum going despite Covid restrictions.

“Of course, we’re all looking forward to a time when we can get together but keeping this annual forum going offers a beacon of hope in these trying times,” she said.

The panel discussing the future of British agriculture post-Brexit, will be made up of MP and farmer Robert Goodwill, Director North of the Country Landowners’ Association Dorothy Fairburn, Laurie Norris, of the National Farmers’ Union, and Richard Betton, Northern Regional Director of the Farming Community Network.

Also joining the discussion will be YFYFC member and farmer Ryan Howe.

Ms Fort, a dairy farmer from Silsden, expressed her gratitude to the panellists and event sponsor, law firm, Crombie Wilkinson,

for supporting the Young Farmers’ forum.

“The theme, looking at farming post-Brexit, reminds us that in spite of all that is happening in the world with coronavirus we need to keep thinking about the future of agriculture.

“I hope as many people as possible join us,” she added.