Shropshire farmers to take questions on farming sustainably in a changing climate

While protesting farmers across Europe make headlines with tractors blocking roads into Paris and German airports, some of Shropshire’s own farmers are finding their own ways to meet challenges of farming today.  A Market Drayton climate group is hosting a Sustainable Farming Panel on 27 February to hear three local farmers describe the methods they use and answer questions from the floor.

The event, co-hosted by Market Drayton Climate Action and Ashley Young Farmers, is open to the public and free including light refreshments.  All ages are welcome, with the option of games provided for children.

‘We asked Ashley Young Farmers if they would co-host the event with us because we want to put climate groups, farmers and the community in conversation with each other to discuss climate crisis solutions which will be feasible for farmers,’ said Rowan Cookson, chair of Market Drayton Climate Action. ‘Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, so for a rural area like Shropshire this is an important area to explore together. We expect a lively and informative session.’

‘The panel will be a Q and A opportunity for people to ask about the elements of sustainable farming that interest them. It might be about what local farmers are doing to be more sustainable, how the public can choose more sustainable food, the reasons why people might find it difficult to find and buy sustainable food, or other topics of interest to people,’ she said.

Ms Cookson explained that each panellist will briefly describe their own sustainable farming, before the floor is opened to questions.  For anyone unsure what to ask, a random question generator will be on hand to get the ball rolling.

Panel members will be Charlotte Hollins, manager at Fordhall Organic Farm, Thomas Richardson, a local dairy farmer, and Kate Mayne who leads the North Shropshire Farmers Group and has worked to make her family farm more sustainable while advising on sustainable agriculture.

The event will take place at 7.30 pm 27 February in the Mencap Building, Market Drayton.

 

For more info, please contact:

Nancy Stewart, Market Drayton Climate Action, mdclimateaction@gmail.com

mdclimateaction.wordpress.com