FARMERS and young farmers from all over the area took part in a debate recently, along with guests from different areas of the farming sector, writes Christine Williams.

They flocked to Holsworthy’s Memorial Hall last Friday evening, May 13, for a debate on what the result of the EU referendum will mean for the future of farming.

The event was organised on behalf of Tarka Young Farmers by Bradley Howells, of Bradworthy YFC and Gareth Hutchings, of Clawton YFC and with Claire Bellew, a farmer’s daughter from North Devon, vice chairman and AGRI chairman of Devon YFC and a rural chartered surveyor in the chair.

The event featured a panel of five, two in favour of remaining in the EU, two of leaving and one undecided.

The debate began with each member of the panel setting out their stall. Richard Tucker of Withleigh YFC, a partner on his family farm who has travelled the world, said he was inclined to vote to remain, as he doubted if they could trust the government to act in the interests of farmers.

George Mudge, formerly of Tavistock YFC, a sheep shearer who had travelled the world representing Britain, said the EU was a failing institution. He had represented small farmers in Strasbourg where he said decisions were taken without regard to small farmers. Suggestion was made that with the UK economy being the fifth largest in the world, it could compete with anybody.

James Morrish, formerly of Buckland Brewer YFC, deputy leader of Torridge District Council and an auctioneer with Kivells, said the South West had benefitted from EU funding and he was yet to hear where the £3-billion the UK gets from the EU would come from if the UK was to leave.

Claire Worden, formerly chairman of YFCs, said she had not yet found a good reason to vote ‘out’ as she did not trust the government to produce an effective agricultural policy.

Ross Thompson, of Kenn Valley YFC, another widely travelled sheep shearer, said the UK is supposed to be a democracy yet Brussels imposes laws.

Everyone attending was urged to vote in the forthcoming referundum.