A SERIES of free events will be held to update farmers, landowners, forestry and woodland managers, and anyone interested in rural matters on the latest business, environmental and regulatory developments.

The Farm Update North (FUN) 2020 events will take place in Alnwick and Hexham, following an earlier event held in Newton Aycliffe, featuring speakers from the Defra, the Environment Agency, the Farming Advice Service, National Farmers Union, Forestry Commission, Natural England, and Northumbrian Water.

CLA director North Dorothy Fairburn and CLA North regional advisers will also be attending these events.

Events will start at 9.45am (registration at 9.30am), finishing at 1pm with lunch provided. There will also be an opportunity to speak to representatives from each participating organisation.

It will include a number of topical presentations as well as the opportunity to speak with the relevant organisations:

• Life after the Common Agricultural Policy – Navigating the NFU’s priorities for the post-Brexit farm support landscape – National Farmers Union

• Cross compliance in 2020 – Ian Cairns, Farming Advice Service

• Farming Rules for Water: experience to date and impact on land spreading activities - Environment Agency

• Woodland Creation – Opportunities and Benefits for Farmers– Forestry Commission

• Catchment Management & Transition to the next funding cycle – Northumbrian Water

• Current & Developing Farming & Countryside Policy – Defra

• Rural Payments Update – Rural Payments Agency / Natural England

The FUN events are to be held at the following venues:

• January 29, Woodham Golf & Country Club, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4PN 9.45am—2pm.

• February 5, Alnwick Rugby Club, Greensfield Ave. Alnwick, NE66 1BE.

• February 10, Hexham Auction Mart, Tynedale Suite, Hexham, NE46 3SG.

Rob Cooper, catchment adviser at Northumbrian Water, said: “The Farm Update North meetings have become important and informative events in the diaries of many farmers, landowners, and other interested parties, keeping them up to date with valuable information that helps them to prepare for the year ahead.”

“This year will be no different, and it’s also a great opportunity for us to talk to those attendees and get equally useful insight into the issues they are anticipating.”

CLA North adviser Jane Harrison said: “Following on from last year’s event, this is ‘must attend’ as it brings together all the relevant players in the North-East’s agricultural sector to give practical advice and knowledge to delegates.”

“Topics at this event will range from rural funding opportunities through to the latest business, environmental and regulatory information to assist farmers. Farmers will also have the opportunity to network with their peers and experts from a variety of supporting organisations.”

Basis and NRoSO points will be available. Register to attend online via www.bit.ly/35UNcRq