TWO prominent politicians will discuss the future of rural policy at a special University of Gloucestershire workshop.

Shadow Defra minister David Drew and MEP Julie Girling are among those attending the event which will look at the future of agriculture post-Brexit.

The workshop is being organised by the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI).

It will take place at the university's Oxtall's campus, Oxtalls Lane, Gloucester, GL2 9HW, on Thursday (29 March).

The CCRI is a specialist rural policy and research organisation based at the university – and the workshop is free to attend.

Although the focus is on Gloucestershire, the workshop aims to be pulling in thoughts from further afield.

Dlegates will hear a range of industry experts and practitioners building on ideas and identifying priorities and ways to embed them into policy thinking.

The ultimate aim is to help ensure food, farming and environment policy is fit for the challenges that lie ahead in the next 70 years.

Mr Drew, who is the MP for Stroud, and Ms Girling, who is an MEP for south-west England, will both be sitting on an afternoon panel session.

Mr Drew said agriculture faced significant change and challenges with Brexit looming.

He added: "It is important that we use this moment as an opportunity to really think about how best to prepare for the future."

Ms Girling said: "There are many production challenges facing us, not least Brexit and the ending of public subsidies. I look forward to hearing new and innovative ideas.”

Speakers include Sue Pritchard, director of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission; Professor Tim Lang from City, University of London’s Centre for Food Policy; and George Dunn, Chief Executive of the Tenant Farmers Association.

If you wish to attend the event, please contact Isabel Fielden at [email protected]