FARMERS in the two counties who have forgotten what it is to make a profit may want to attend a new agricultural exhibition which promises a brighter future for the rural economy.

The AgriVision exhibition has been organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England in place of this year's Royal Show, which was cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Exhibition

The exhibition will be held this week at the National Agricultural Centre in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, and will cover the whole food production chain, from farmer to supermarket, as well as associated sectors.

"I urge farmers and other rural businesses to visit the show, where we will be showing ways for rural businesses to become more profitable," said the Country Land and Business Association's (CLA) regional director for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Frances Beatty.

The CLA, which represents 46,000 rural businesses and landowners, will have one of the largest stands at the show with experts in planning, property law, tax and marketing on hand to offer advice.

Essential

"We felt it absolutely essential to back this show strongly after the dreadful time farmers have had over recent months - the fact is agriculture was in crisis way before foot-and-mouth," said Ms Beatty.

"Only a profitable farming sector can deliver the environmental and conservation benefits that society as a whole wants."

The exhibition runs from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday,

December 5 and from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, December 6.

For details phone Emily Nichols on 02476 858276.