Rural organisation the CLA has said that securing resilience in farming while protecting the environment and ending the digital divide are the challenges that the next government must address if they are to deliver for the countryside.
The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has set out five priorities as part of its effort to ensure that candidates across England and Wales are committed to the issues that matter to rural business.
The organisation said delivering a Brexit that works for the countryside and creating the homes that rural areas need is 'crucial'.
It also said the next Government must implement a 'simpler, more cost-effective' planning system that encourages investment and an end the rural digital divide.
The CLA wants the next Government to apply a tax regime which 'encourages, rather than discriminates' against rural business.
Numerous other rural organisations have released their manifestos, including the NFU, the Soil Association, the Tenant Farmers' Association and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
'Stand up for farming'
CLA President Ross Murray said every candidate seeking election to a rural constituency should be able to demonstrate how they will stand up for farming and the countryside.
“They must understand why the countryside matters and that rural communities expect the next government to face up to the big challenges, like how to support farming and the environment once the UK is no longer part of the Common Agricultural Policy,” Mr Murray said.
“Encouraging more small scale housing development by making better use of existing buildings and relaxing the planning system will help alleviate the acute shortage of homes in rural areas.
“Delivering universal 4G mobile coverage is essential to modern rural life and by treating diversified rural businesses as single businesses for tax purposes will end the discrimination they currently face and allow for growth and better productivity.
“We will be out throughout the campaign speaking up for rural businesses, but it is also vital that our members challenge candidates to demonstrate their commitment to standing up for farming and the countryside in Parliament and how they intend to make a difference.”
