A message from our
Chairman 2010

The new coalition Government has started as it means to go on! The Task Force appointed by Agriculture Minister, Jim Paice, is committed to reducing the burden of red tape placed on farmers, thereby allowing them to get on with the business of producing our food and managing our countryside.

Members across the House have enacted new legislation to improve the labelling of food, particularly with regard to the country of origin. You can now be assured that produce displaying the Union Jack really has been grown or bred in this country.

The resurgence in interest in our countryside can do nothing but good for local producers, and our Native Breeds section within the Living Working Countryside area is always a firm favourite with our visitors. This year we are especially delighted that the Gloucester Old Spot Pig has been given "Traditional Speciality Guaranteed" status by the European Commission, the first breed of any species in the world to achieve this protection. Amongst other things, TSG status ensures that the pigs must be kept in non-intensive conditions and delivered to local abattoirs to avoid unnecessary stress and excessive food miles. The breed originates from the Berkeley Vale and has been for many years one of the highlights or our Native Breeds section run so efficiently by Anne Jewell, who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.

Rollo Clifford, Chairman
 

We are a non profit organisation. The help of our Sponsors is vital to our continued ability to remain a non-profit organisation which has been running for nearly 25 years. We are able to support Charities and good causes relating to the countryside and local area. Our Sponsors are a very much appreciated part of our team.