SERAF’s concerns are:
- providing affordable homes in rural areas
- a Regional Delivery Plan for Sustainable Farming and Food
- Common Agricultural Policy reform
- supply and distribution of local food products
- climate change and its effect on agriculture
- helping young people in rural areas
- delivering local transport solutions
- the South East England Forestry Framework
SERAF has also officially commented on:
- the South East England Regional Assembly renewable energy strategy
- regional tourism strategy
- modernising Rural Delivery review
- the South East England Regional Assembly Rural Select committee
- mid-term review of Common Agricultural Policy reform
The current Forum was reviewed in 2005 with new members recruited through advertisements placed in the national press and circulated through many regional networks. The Forum presently has 30 members, an independent Chair and Vice-Chair. The membership is expected to increase as further recruitment takes place. It aims to be as inclusive as possible with organisations from throughout the Government Office region representing a variety of subject areas.
Each region has a Rural Affairs Forum (RAF) and the chairpersons of the RAF will meet with Minister of State for Rural Affairs four times a year. Ministers from other Departments will also be invited to these meetings to ensure the rural voice is heard across Government.
