THE National Sheep Association is staging an industry briefing to explore the commercial implications of CAP Reform from local to global at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Tuesday, July 27.

The event, which is being held on the eve of the National Sheep Event, will be led by Matt Dempsey, European industry commentator and editor of Ireland's leading weekly publication, the Irish Farmer Journal.

Mr Dempsey will discuss CAP Reform and its international impact on the sheep industry, while Sir Donald Curry, chairman of the Government's Implementation Group for Sustainable Farming and Food, will comment on likely changes in the UK marketplace.

Norman Bagley, of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, will go on to argue how he believes these local and global implications will provide opportunities for UK sheep industry operators, from field to fork.

The briefing will be rounded up by NFU Young Farmer of the Year, Richard Geldard, who will discuss the future for the next generation of sheep producers and how he plans to respond to the changes on his family's 500 acre mixed livestock unit based in south Cumbria.

"Within the next few months CAP Reform will bring some of the biggest challenges sheep producers have ever faced. CAP Reform will also bring opportunities for those who want to strengthen their businesses," comments National Sheep Event chairman, David Smith.

"The NSA is taking the opportunity to stage this industry briefing immediately prior to Europe's premier sheep event, to help all producers get to grips with these forthcoming changes and offer information and ideas on how they can make positive responses."