Ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 7th CLA Midlands Regional Director Mark Riches is urging people to support rural businesses in the run up to Christmas by buying locally and celebrating the quality of produce and products available in the region.

Mr Riches said: “Every year we encourage people to buy as much of their Christmas food and gifts from local businesses as possible.

“Local rural businesses can provide all the food on your plate, the drink in your glass, your tree, decorations and gifts.

“Our Members will also cheerfully ignore the shortage scaremongering and supply the pigs and blankets (and instructions should you need them).

“Added to the endless boom in internet shopping and economic pressures on the high street, we have the continued uncertainty of Brexit and many feel they can do without the added stress of Christmas shopping.

“It makes more sense than ever to avoid the traffic, queues, parking and packed pavements to visit your local farm shop, village store, farmers’ market or our market towns where traditional, independent shops are still plentiful.”

In its Rural Powerhouse initiative, the CLA estimates that if rural productivity per worker was raised to the national average, an additional £43 billion could be added to national income every year. Mr Riches explains that “In the meantime we can all play our part - and take some of the stress out of Christmas - by turning to local suppliers for your trees, turkeys and tinsel.”

Mr Riches adds: “While we cannot ignore the lure of the internet, we should remind ourselves that Christmas should be about family, friends and neighbours. However if it does become too stressful - and it does for many -  please don’t suffer alone. There are many people working for rural charities, who will listen, understand and help.”

The Farming Community Network on 03000 111 999 is open 7am-11pm every day and the Samaritans on 116 123 will be open 24 hours throughout the holidays.

Details of rural support networks can also be found at www.farminghelp.co.uk