The Rural Economy Research Group

An established group dedicated to protecting and promoting the rural economy across the United Kingdom

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RERG economy research

The Rural Economy Research Group

A forum in which Parliamentarians, academics, businesses and interested parties champion and discuss issues pertinent to the rural economy and suggest solutions to policymakers. The Group is now chaired by former Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman, Baroness McIntosh of Pickering.

Our mission is to protect and promote the interests of the rural economy and the environment across the United Kingdom. We strive to give our members a platform to engage in informed debate and provide evidence to rural policy decision-makers in Westminster and beyond.

The war in Ukraine, Britain’s departure from the EU, increased cost of living and political turmoil has all sparked debate around food security, protection of the countryside, diversification of farming methods and how we care for the environment. More often than not the challenges that face the rural economy are overlooked or inadequately addressed with short-term solutions.
about-the-rerg

About the RERG

We believe that by challenging rural policymakers at both a local and national level we can increase awareness of the issues that matter most and give those who play a critical role in shaping our countryside a voice that matters now and, in the years ahead.

The Group’s focus is not just about farming but the entirety of the rural economy – covering topics from technology, transport, education, employment, climate change and ensuring the next generation knows about the critical role the rural economy plays in the UK.

Our membership meets three times a year in the Houses of Parliament with MPs, Peers, councils, government departments, businesses and academics. We pride ourselves on providing a platform for the rural community to come together and share their experience and provide evidence to strengthen the resilience of the rural economy.

Discover more about our membership

In the Last Year, the RERG Has:

Submission of a report on rural housing which makes recommendations to Government on how to address systemic needs of housing in rural areas. Proposals that were adopted by the Labour Party were the planning passport for development on brownfield sites and an enhanced local voice for how housing is built in communities.
Meeting with then Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon and George Eustice to discuss how the flood resilience plan might be amended to ensure houses are not built on flood plains.
Commitment from the Farming Minister, the Shadow Farming Minister and the Director of the Rural Economy division at DEFRA, to attend all meetings and reflect on the policy proposals submitted by the Group.
Bring together over 90 stakeholders contributed to our discussion on rural housing.

Within the First 100 days of the New Government the RERG will:

Bring together over a hundred stakeholders, academics, businesses and interested parties to participate in debates with policymakers on topics such as food security and water management and the impact these issues have on the rural economy and the environment.

Connect hundreds of rural economy businesses, British farmers and academics to national and local decision-makers and rural policymakers.

Commission a report on water management in the rural economy and present it to Government ahead of the rainy season with recommendations on how to protect and promote the interests of British farmers, the countryside and the rural economy.

Commission a report on what reforms are needed to ensure a stable, safe and affordable food supply in the UK. The report would focus on policy measures to support sustainable farming practises, enhance food production technologies and mitigate food waste.

How to get involved

To find out more about how being a member of the Rural Economy Research Group can help you and your organisation.

Join our growing rural economy community of academics, professionals, businesses and landowners.

Why Join?

Events

Be part of the rural economy debate and have your voice heard on issues that are important to you and your organisation.

 

We host a series of events throughout the year including three parliamentary receptions.

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Latest Insights and Blog from RERG

Sowing the Seeds of Decline: How Labour’s Inheritance Tax Reforms Threaten British Family Farms

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Government Priorities for Rural Communities: A House of Lords Debate

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The Road to Rural Recovery

The recent supermajority won by the Labour Government was fought based on the premise of creating change for the UK, however, it is yet to be seen what change this will generate for the agriculture sector
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