HEREFORDSHIRE farmers are expected to get to grips with the government’s command paper and help shape the future of farming at an NFU meeting.

The government’s consultation paper on a future agricultural policy post-Brexit is arguably the most significant report in decades and will have an impact on the industry’s future for generations to come.

The paper will set out the government’s strategy for agricultural policy after the country splits from the EU and what will replace the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Farmers and growers are urged to attend to discuss the command paper, its implications for the industry and the union’s response.

The meeting, one of five being held across the region, will be on April 17 at Bodenham Village Hall.

Speaking earlier this year Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said there were “huge opportunities for those in agriculture to play the leading role in shaping the future strategy”.

Farmer Malcolm Roberts, NFU regional board chairman, said: “The NFU is on the front foot and has already set out its vision for the future policy and its Framework for Success sets out a bold and ambitious policy for farmers to succeed post Brexit.

“This vision gives us a solid foundation from which to respond to the consultation but we want to build on that, continuing the conversation with our members across the region.”

Specialist NFU policy advisers will be on hand at each meeting to present the government’s proposals, alongside what the union’s position has been and how the response is developing.

Mr Roberts said: "I would urge farmers to come along as we need to make sure that each and every one of our members has an opportunity to have their say on this very significant consultation, so that together the voice of farming and its interests are heard loud and clear by government and MPs."

The meeting will start at 7.30pm and members are encouraged to make their views known.

For further details on the command paper meetings or to book contact the NFU West Midlands regional office, at Agriculture House, Telford, on 01952 400500.