NU Farms Hosts Event on Land Use, Climate and Rural Futures

NU Farms hosted a Centre for Rural Economy Event at Cockle Park at the beginning of June attended by the Duke of Northumberland and Earl Percy. This updated on work being undertaken within the Centre, in the context of current and proposed government policy.  Three panel discussions centred around changing land use; inclusive and sustainable rural economies; and food.

Key points of discussion included the need for land use change to meet the needs of a changing climate, and the broader implications of this for those who work and manage land, and the rural communities. Challenges identified included the need to balance food security and self-sufficiency with ensuring that we are more environmentally and economically resilient in the future and ensuring accessibility of rural spaces. Social norms within the sector were also raised, both as important parts of maintaining culture and heritage, but also as potential barriers to change and innovation.

A well as production of food and environmental services, panellists also raised the topic of waste; thinking about what can be done to prevent this in the first instance, and the wider agri-food stakeholders involved, but also broader commercial opportunities arising from this.

The Duke and Earl Percy gave their thoughts after the discussions. More detail of the issues discussed at the Event can be found here.