Protect traditional skills to protect the countryside says Lib Dem European hopeful

10.14.38am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Aug 2008

A busy Liberal Democrat Stand at Ashbourne Shire Horse Society Show

Ed Maxfield, Liberal Democrat candidate for the European Parliament elections next June helped local members on the Liberal Democrat stand at Ashbourne Show last Saturday.

Ed Maxfield at Ashbourne Show

After walking round the show Ed called for more support to keep traditional countryside skills alive and commented that the EU can help to protect the rural environment by making sure key crafts are not lost.

He wants to see a revival of the 'Leader +' programme which helped get the College of the Peak off the ground in 2003.

"At a time of great concern about global security and climate change it makes clear sense to invest in essential skills to enable local food production. Members of my family have been involved in farming in the East Midlands for generations but it is not about preserving a misty eyed vision of the rural past. It is common sense to make sure we can keep food production as close as possible to consumers."

Ed says the EU can play a role in helping people to learn the skills that are needed to preserve the local environment and to keep smaller farms alive.

"The EU's Leader + programme ran for five years and helped to fund the College of the Peak. When the current programme of support for rural areas ends I hope the EU will look again at providing this kind of backing to rural communities."

Related Links:

Ed Maxfield.

Leader + programme.

College of the Peak.