News Desk

March 10th

Westminster Hall.  MP’s debate Motoring such a very important activity for rural residents

Retailers and Food Manufacturers agree waste reduction targets

Consumer attitudes to food technology including GM in 2008 FSA research

New Government Body to deliver broadband announced 

CLG report on responses to the consultation on Infrastructure Levy (Developers paying a tax to fund infrastructure related to their developments)

Proposed Conservative shake up of planning. Transfers Government Policy direct to Local Authorities and expects them to cooperate. Planning drives economic and community development so is a core Government policy.

The Arts and Crafts to the rescue. Real rural community stuff.

Three Yorkshire facts for February

1. Welcome to Yorkshire’s Television Advertisement ‘A Long Weekend in Yorkshire isn’t Long Enough’ has reached 11 million people. 3 million people saw it at the Cinema.

2. Independent tourism research identified that during the months of July, August and September last year, overnight stays in Yorkshire by UK residents were up 31% compared to only 15% nationally and -9% in London.

3. The recent edition of ‘Time Out’ – Countryside - ‘Discover the Best of Rural Britain’ has a chapter on Yorkshire
   

February 23rd

Breakfast meeting on Succession Planning for Farm Business at Thirsk Mart on 3rd March. Details Map

The Conservative Party Manifesto for Agriculture
I presume they might have another for Rural in totality

The Public Land Initiative announces the first sites for new homes. One is near Doncaster.

Masterplanning Competition Winners.  One in N Yorks and two in East Yorks 

An e-site mainly for rural women launched     

February 18th

New powers for Environment Agency to streamline enforcement (consultation to be launched)

Science Magazine edition devoted to Food Security

Post Office closure consultation audit or whistling in the wind

Landskills make new appointment
Programme Officer to help steer £3m funding programme

A Programme Officer has been appointed to help steer a £3million funding programme in Yorkshire and Humber that will help farmers, foresters and growers develop their skills and enhance their profitability.

LandSkills Yorkshire and Humber, managed by Lantra Sector Skills Council, has appointed Dr Edward Wallington to work with Programme Manager, Julie Hamilton, to help businesses access up to 70% funding towards a wide variety of training activities.

Edward, a former Programme and Business Development Manager at the Forestry Commission, brings a wealth of project management experience to his role. Prior to the Forestry Commission Edward was in academia, researching the use of remote sensing and geographical information systems to support and optimise management decisions in the environmental sector.

Edward said: “I am really pleased to be joining the programme. It is so important that agricultural and forestry businesses keep developing their skills and stay abreast of industry development. LandSkills Yorkshire and Humber represents a real opportunity for rural businesses to do this through affordable and flexible training and skills development activities and I am looking forward to presenting rural businesses in the region with this exciting programme.”

Since the project began in summer 2008 almost 3000 people have benefited from the 70% funding available. To date LandSkills Yorkshire and Humber has funded high level technical training such as agronomy and supported discussion groups and supported study tours.

For more information please visit www.lantra.co.uk/LandSkills, call 0845 278 8800 or email LandSkills@lantra.co.uk.