The Melton and Syston Conservatives have launched a new initiative with the inaugural meeting of the Conservative Farming Forum on Saturday 5 October at Scalford Village Hall. The event, which brought together local farmers, Conservative members, and the community, aimed to establish an ongoing platform for dialogue and collaboration between the party and the agricultural community across the Melton and Syston constituency.
Jointly chaired by Leicestershire County Councillor Bryan Lovegrove, Melton Borough Councillor Simon Orson, and Melton and Syston Conservative Association Officer Charlie Chirico, the launch featured special guest Rupert Matthews, Leicestershire’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, alongside Melton and Syston MP, Edward Argar. With a focus on understanding the key challenges facing farmers and how the Conservative Party can continue to support the sector, the event saw an enthusiastic turnout of both party members and local farmers eager to engage in discussion.
In her opening remarks, Charlie Chirico who organised the event, emphasised the importance of this new forum. "We are thrilled to officially launch the Conservative Farming Forum. Farming is more than just a profession here – it’s the heartbeat of our community. As Conservatives, we are committed to keeping farming at the core of our policies. This forum gives farmers a direct line to their local representatives and ensures their concerns are not only heard but acted upon."
County Councillor Bryan Lovegrove, co-chair of the forum, highlighted the interactive nature of the event as a key strength. "Our goal today was to create an open space where farmers can speak freely about their concerns and priorities. This launch is just the beginning – we want this forum to be a dynamic and continuous platform for discussion, helping shape Conservative policies that genuinely reflect the needs of our agricultural communities."
Rupert Matthews spoke about the important role rural policing plays in supporting the farming sector, addressing concerns about crime in rural areas. "I’m committed to ensuring our rural communities are safe and secure. The insights shared at the forum will help inform policing strategies to better serve our farmers and their families."
The forum also featured an interactive discussion, where attendees voiced their thoughts on a range of issues including sustainable farming practices, and how national decisions influence the local farming economy.
The chairs emphasised their commitment to maintaining regular meetings and ensuring that the needs of farmers remain central to the Conservative Party’s agenda both locally and nationally. "This is a forum not just for today, but for the future. We encourage all those involved in farming across Melton and Syston to join us in future sessions, share their ideas, and help shape the policies that impact their livelihoods," said Cllr Simon Orson, who is also a farmer.
The Conservative Farming Forum is a key part of the party’s strategy to support rural communities and reinforce its commitment to agriculture, a cornerstone of both local life and the economy.
Upcoming Forums
Following the success of this launch, the Conservative Farming Forum plans to hold quarterly meetings, providing an ongoing platform for farmers to engage with their Conservative representatives and influence policy development at both the local and national levels.
Next date: 22 February 2025 – 10.30am – Scalford Village Hall
For more information about how to get involved please contact [email protected]
