PENRITH and The Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson, is to host a virtual Farming Roadshow.

Attending the roadshow on Friday, September 17 at 6.30 pm will be Janet Hughes, Programme Director, Future Farming and Countryside Programme, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (DEFRA) and Alison Johnson, Engagement and Operational Readiness Director, Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

This unique event will give farmers, landowners, and other rural stakeholders in Penrith and The Border an update on the delivery of current schemes and a chance to hear details on the Future Farming and Countryside Programme (FFCP). Farmers will also be given the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns directly with DEFRA and the RPA.

Dr Hudson said: “I am very happy to have been able to organise and host this innovative event. At the heart of my constituency is farming. In Cumbria and the UK, we have the best farmers and highest standards of animal welfare in the world. We all should very be proud of our farmers and what they do for us all. At this time of change in rural funding, it is vital that our farming community has the opportunity to raise any of their concerns with both DEFRA and the RPA to ensure they can compete globally and these standards can continue to be upheld.”

The event will commence with an opening address from Dr Hudson followed by presentations from Janet Hughes and Alison Johnson. This will lead into an open question and answer session.

To attend the event, or for any further information, please email Neil directly at neil.hudson.mp@parliament.uk with your name and address. Please use FFCP/ RPA Event in the subject line. Questions can be asked on the evening or submitted in advance via email.