Opinion: Election will have 'profound impact' on rural communities

The General Election will have a "profound impact" on rural communities, says Mark Riches, acting East regional director for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

It is fully understandable for people to be fatigued with politics, but this election is likely to have a profound impact on rural communities and businesses in our region.

At the CLA, we are steadfast in our support for those who live and work in the countryside and we are hugely ambitious for our community, its economy and way of life.

The countryside has vast economic, environmental and social potential. Landowners and land managers are already producing food to feed the nation and helping to fight climate change and nature decline.

Now, many are diversifying their businesses, seeking to grow the economy, create skilled new jobs and strengthen their local communities.

It is crucial that the next government, whatever its makeup, understands the unique challenges rural areas face. That is why, back in February, we published our CLA "Missions" which were designed to influence political parties as they began to pull together their manifestos.

These missions cover topics such as the importance of supporting sustainable and profitable farming and delivering economic growth in rural areas.

They highlight the need to improve digital connectivity, tackle the shortage of affordable rural homes, and the perpetual issue of crime in the countryside.

We have been meeting a variety of prospective parliamentary candidates over the last few months and are continuing to do so.

Our candidate packs – full of vital information for any candidate seeking to understand and represent the countryside – are being distributed across the country.

The next government will have the opportunity to unlock the potential of the rural economy.

With the right support, rural businesses can generate growth, creating jobs and prosperity for every community.

And at the CLA we will be working tirelessly on a national and local level to ensure the rural voice is heard.