Councillors heard about some of the big issues facing agriculture as part of a trip to the farm last week.
The event, at Hartley Park Farm, near Selborne, was an opportunity for EHDC councillors and staff to meet the farming community and gain an insight into issues affecting farmers today.
The visit, jointly organised by the Alton/Petersfield branch of the National Farmers Union and EHDC, took place on 18 June.
Hartley Park Farm is an arable farm known for its lavender and lavender products. It was one of the first farms in the area to diversify by letting redundant farm buildings as commercial buildings and has a thriving business hub at the farm. The farm also creates and helps sustain part of the wonderful countryside in the area.
Cllr Angela Glass, Portfolio Holder for Planning at East Hampshire District Council, said: “We had a most enjoyable and informative evening at Hartley Park Farm. It was helpful to hear of the challenges faced by farmers, and also good to hear of the efforts made by local farmers to preserve our beautiful East Hampshire countryside.”
Richard Buer, who is the NFU Group Secretary for Alton & Petersfield Branch and who organised the event, said: “We enjoy getting district councillors and staff on to farms every other year and it was particularly important to get some of the newly elected councillors out on the farm this year.”
During the evening William White, NFU SE Region Regional Director, gave a political overview of agriculture. Richard Buer, who is also a past President of the North East Hampshire Agricultural Association (NEHAA), spoke about the reason for cancelling the Alton Show and the plans to extend the NEHAA Education programme to get more school children on farms in East Hampshire.
