Herefordshire farmers looking to get the best deal for their businesses post Brexit will have a chance to feed in their views to the NFU.

Terry Jones, NFU director general, will be at a series of meetings to talk to members about their agri-priorities for the industry and consider the county’s farming needs.

A series of discussions will be held at key county locations on Thursday, February 16th followed by a main meeting to which all farmers and growers are invited.

The meeting at the Green Man Inn, Fownhope, is expected to cover a host of farming issues including trade, regulation, labour and market access, among others.

Farmers and growers are welcome to attend and the meeting will start at 7pm prompt.

Mr Jones’ visit follows a regional Brexit Conference, held in Worcester, for farmers from across the West Midlands to speak direct to Government.

This was organised by MEP Dan Dalton and the NFU regional office at the request of Defra Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsom, who is keen to hear regional views.

Farmer concerns, opinions and business priorities gathered at Herefordshire will be added in to those from the 150 delegates who were at Worcester and all will help the union make the case for agriculture and horticulture in Westminster.

Following the referendum vote the NFU has been busy consulting its members, lobbying Government and shaping a Brexit policy paper to help strengthen farming’s case as politicians look to negotiate the terms of Britain’s EU withdrawal.

Clare Greener, Herefordshire NFU county adviser, said: “We are hoping for a lively debate at each of the stops throughout the day and are especially keen to invite members to join us at the event in Fownhope.

“Mr Jones will be able to update us all on how far the plans have got and then he will hear direct from members about how they feel the union’s Brexit policy needs to be shaped further.”

Patrick Wrixon, Herefordshire NFU chairman, urged as many farmers as possible to attend the Fownhope meeting including the next generation. He said: “Now is the time to look for the opportunities and we must be positive and look to create a more resilient and robust farming industry going forward.

“I know the NFU is up for the challenge but we need to see more member views on what is essential for their businesses as the country looks to leave the EU.

“I would urge farmers from across the region and from all sectors to go to Fownhope, this is a unique opportunity to address decision makers and make the case from the grass roots up.”

Refreshments and a light supper will be available at Fownhope after the main business and to book a place contact the NFU’s regional office on 01952 400500.