“Rural issues are not fringe concerns and should be regarded as a national priority for the good of all.”

The Dean of Ripon, The Very Rev John Dobson DL.

The event, part of the Cathedral’s Rural Forum series, drew a packed audience and featured keynote contributions from Robbie Moore MP, Shadow Minister for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Professor David Hill CBE of the Foundation for Nature; and James Farrar, Chief Executive of the new York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Dean John Dobson welcomed attendees by reaffirming the Cathedral’s commitment to working for the common good. “If our purpose is to make the world a better place in the name of both God and for the benefit of all,” he said, “then today’s forum is part of that mission.”

Key Themes and Calls to Action:

                •   Robbie Moore MP questioned government thinking over agricultural policy and warned that proposed Inheritance Tax changes will force small family farms into debt or breakup. He called for “rural proofing” across all policy areas and more influence for ministers in arms-length body decision-making.

                •   James Farrar outlined the new Combined Authority’s ambitious growth plan for York and North Yorkshire, under Labour Mayor, David Skaith, focusing on food innovation, tourism, rural housing, and the green economy. He stressed that rural communities must be seen as central to national priorities around food, energy, and health.

                •   Professor David Hill CBE highlighted the biodiversity crisis as being an existential threat to mankind equivalent to that of climate change. He advocated for scaling up of Biodiversity Net Gain by ensuring that planning authorities prioritise off-site BNG delivery working with farmers and landowners. He also showed that an extension of BNG into the wider corporate sector who should be mandated to financially report on their impacts on nature capital, could generate £15bn of funding every year across the UK. This would completely fund the nature finance gap, secure the future of the rural economy, transition agriculture and food production and make landscapes resilient to the effects of climate change.

                •   Joanne Nicholson, a Nidderdale farmer, shared her frontline perspective on the challenges facing rural agriculture, from inheritance tax uncertainty to the value of diversification through tourism. She called for greater stability to retain skills and support young farmers.

                •   Katie Rigarlsford from the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce outlined business challenges, particularly around workforce, transport and housing, and emphasised the need for locally tailored investment.

                •   Tony Watson of Visit North Yorkshire revealed the region’s £4 billion visitor economy is increasingly driven by food, heritage, and wellbeing tourism. He promoted new initiatives like accessible “Miles Without Stiles” walking routes and nature-based health programmes.

                •  Harriet Ranson of the CLA (Country Land and Business Association) issued a strong call for a national “Rural Reset,” challenging misunderstandings about the rural economy and pushing for clear, consistent long-term policy direction.

 A Clear Mandate

A major concern raised by many speakers was the potential impact of proposed changes to Inheritance Tax on family farms and rural land use. Delegates warned of a knock-on effect on farming viability, rural biodiversity, and even tourism.

The Rural Forum concluded with a shared message: that rural communities, businesses, and landscapes are essential to the nation’s economic, environmental, and cultural health—and that rebuilding the rural economy requires political courage, long-term thinking, and close collaboration between public and private sectors.

Dean John Dobson closed the event by praising the breadth and depth of discussion.  This has been one of the most important events in our Forum’s history,” he said. “Rural issues are not fringe concerns and should be regarded as a national priority for the good of all.”

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