The future of farming in Medway and Swale.

Nearly 100 farming industry representatives from across Kent joined Kelly Tolhurst MP, Laura Whatley, MP and local decision makers in parish, town and county councils, to discuss the future of farming in Medway and Swale at The Barnyard, Gore Farm. Carol Ford, commercial director of AC Goatham & Son and Guy Proskitt, Chair of the Horticulture and Potatoes Board at the NFU presented the issues faced by farmers at a macro and micro level and used Turkey Hall Farm, Hoo, as a case study for how a modern orchard is established.

Carol Ford comments: “This is the first time an event of this kind has been held and it was a fantastic opportunity to try and get as many of the decision makers as possible around the table, to hear views and experiences from the industry and from AC Goatham & Son as local farmers. Importantly we also want to hear how we as farmers impact on the local communities in which we farm. Farming is changing and it has to, to compete globally, but it also presents many opportunities, especially to create local employment.

We have made two short films which feature some of the speakers and the issues, see interviews first with Carol Ford and Guy Poskitt and then hear from Local MP’s and the keynote speakers Carol and Guy.